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NARRATIVE 



OF 



LEYI HATHAWAY, 



GIVING AN ACCOUNT OF 



HIS LIFE, EXPERIENCE, CALL TO THE MINISTRY 

OF THE GOSPEL OF THE SON OF GOD, 

AND TRAVELS AS SUCH TO THE 

PRESENT TIME. 



*' This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that 
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am 
chief. Howbeit, for this cause I obtained mercy that in me 
first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long suffering, for a pattern 
to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life ever- 
lasting." I Timothy, i. 15, 16. 



-i> 



PROVIDENCE : 

^aiNTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY MILLER & HUTCHENS, 

NOt 1, Market-Square, (second story.) 
1820, 






tjr. ., , Rhode-Island DistrkU sc. 

-.nd in thrr. /^%?^* ^" ^^'^ '""^^ ^^y °^ April, A. I). 1820, 
sLtes nJ A ^"^.*3^-^«"'th year of the Independence Jf the United 
office thptjnp'*'r' K^'7 ^«/^«'*?^' «f ■''aid District, deposited in this 
ptbce the title of a book, whereof he claims as author, in the follow- 
ing words, VIZ :-- The ^arratne of Levi Hathawayl gMn^anac^ 
tlTL"'^^?nf^ £j;>en.nc., Call to the mnutry^^t^eGoZZf 

Je.usclmP in?^lh^' and worthy of .11 acceptation, that Chris! 
Howbeft fnr n- '"""'^i t\r.^^«'"'^^rs, Of whom I am chief, 
ilowbeit, /or this cause I obtained mercy that in me first Jesus 
Christ might shew forth ail long suffering, for a pattern to them 
Thy't. ^^^"I'^gh,^^^^*^^ ^^I'-v^ on bim to life everlasCg.' 1 I^mo 

*lp!r ?"f°7'/^r*^?" ^^* °^ Congress of the United States, enti- 
ced, An Act for the encouragement of learniag, by securing the 
copies of maps, charts and books, to the authors and proprietors ol 
such copies during the time therein mentioned." And also to an 
act, entitled "An act for the encouragement of learning, by se- 
curing the copies of maps, charts and books, to the authors and 
proprietors of such copies, during the time therein mentioned, and 
extending the benefit thereof to the art of desigmng, engraving and 
etching historica] and other prints." ^ ^' ''"S'^aving and 

Witness^ BENJ'AMIN COWELL, I ^^^^^ ^' ^' 

y District, 



THE NARRATIVE. 



OF 



LEVI HATHAWAY' 



CHAPTER L 

I WAS born February 6th, 1790, in the town 
of Middleborough, county of Plymouth, and 
state of Massachusetts; was the youngest 
and thirteenth child of my mother. My la- 
ther became insane, in 1791, and remains 
incapable of doing business to the present 
day. My tender mother, died in February, 
1799. This was a great loss, (though but lit- 
tle realized by me at that time :) at her death 
I felt solemn, but did not weep, while I saw 
my brothers and sisters weeping by the bed- 
side; my thoughts were, if weeping would 
bring her to life again, I could weep ; but she 
is gone, and all our tears will not bring her to 
life. 

I was now left without father or mother, 
to take care of, or give me advice ; though I 
did not weep at her death ; yet, have often 
since wept, wnen calling to mind the loss 
that I then sustained. After my mother's 
death, the family were scattered abroad — 
there w^ere seven brothers and three sisters 



of us living; my sister next to the youngest, 
went to live with her uncle ; my youngest sis- 
ter, with her brother, next to the eldest, and 
myself, went to live with my eldest brother, 
who was a professor of religion* The May 
following, my brother, with whom I livedo 
moved his family into the Province of Maine^ 
to a place then called Tingtown, since in- 
corporated and named Wilton. This was 
then a wilderness part of the world ; on one 
side of us there was but one family within 
two miles, and on the other, it was a wilder- 
ness for more than one hundred. There was 
nothing worthy of notice transpired in my 
life, until May, 1801 ; when the spirit of God 
began to operate upon my mind. 

One morning in the month ofTVIay, I arose 
as the sun began to appear above the tops of 
the trees in the east; it was remarkably 
clear, there was not a cloud to be seen. 
While, beholding the serene sky, and beauti- 
ful rish)g sun; my thoughts were — was there 
ever a whole day, in which there was not a 
cloud to be seen. I tlien resolved to take 
particular notice through the day to see, if 1 
could say, that I had seen a whole day, in 
which a cloud was not to be seen. After 
breakfast, I went with my brother to work in 
a field, near the top of an high hill, that over- 
looked a large part of the surrounding coun- 
try. Often looking up to see, if I cordd dis- 
cover a cloud, till about eleven o'clock, when 
looking eastward, over the lower part of the 
town, I saw the appearance of a cloud, above 



the tops of the trees, so large as to cover an hun- 
dred acres, and it was the colour of a rainbow. 
I asked my brother what it was — he sat down 
on a log without saying a word, and looked 
at it for the space of half an hour, or more, in 
which time it vanished away. He then arose 
without saying a word, and we went into the 
house. I was anxious to hear what he would 
say to his wife, who was not a professor of 
religion. So soon as he entered the house, 
he took the bible, and turning to the Acts of 
the Apostles, and from the second chapter, 
lie read as follows : — ^' And it shall come to 
pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour 
out of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons 
and your daughters shall prophecy, and your 
young men shall see visions, and your old men 
shall dream dreams : and on my servants and 
on my handmaidens, I will pour out in those 
days of my spirit ; and they shall prophecy : 
And I will shew wonders in heaven above, 
and signs in the earth beneath ; blood, and 
fire, and vapours of smoke : The sun shall 
be turned into darkness, and the moon into 
blood, before that great and notable day of 
the Lord come : and it shall come to pass, that 
whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord 
shall be saved." 

After reading these words, he conversed 
about the day of judgment, and of the world's 
coming to an end. This was the first time that 
I ever remember of hearing any person say, 
that this world would come to an end. In the 
afternoon, w ent into a field to work, and while 



6, 

alone med Rating on'what I had seen and heard ; 
on a sudden a light seemed to break into my 
mind, and for the first time, I then began to 
realise a Supreme Being, who created the 
heavens above and the earth beneath, and all 
creatures that are in them. And that sooner 
or later, myself, with all the human family 
must die, and after death, appear before God^ 
to give an account of the deeds done here 
in the body. O ! how solemn was the thought, 
of death an-d judgment to me : It was clearly 
manifested to my understanding, what was 
right, and what was wrong. Then saw that 
I had done many things that were wrong in 
the sight of God, and then resolved to do so 
no more : My mind became solemn, and I felt 
an anxious desire to know more about tliat 
God who made me, and while reflecting on 
God, and the eternal world, something whis- 
pered to my understanding — if you wish to 
know more of God, attend to what you hear 
read, (I could not then read in the Bible) for 
that is the word of the Lord ; and while at- 
tending to hear the word read, I learned that 
all that lived and died without repentance,, 
would be cast into the lake of fire, which m 
the second death. My thoughts of this were 
dreadful, and my mind, for a time, was much 
exercised about eternal things; .time, with 
me, looked very short and uncertain ; eter- 
nity opening before me and near at hand ! 
A short time after this, there was a great and 
glorious reformation began in the neighbour- 
hood, where the cloud hung over, and spread 



very gloriously; Ilieard of many that had ex- 
perienced religion, and was very desirous to 
go to meeting; but there was no meeting held 
nearer than six or seven miles, and I being- 
young, and my brother not knowing that I had 
any serious impressions on my mind, thought 
it not proper for me to go. But soon after 
there was a young man experienced religion 
in the neighbourhood, where I lived, and 
was very happy. O ! thought I, that I knew 
how I might obtain the happiness that he en- 
joys ; but a gloom continued over my mind ; 
and I was convinced, that I must have some- 
thing more than I had, in order to be happy 
here or hereafter. One day while I was 
with my brother, w^e met the young man, who 
had experienced religion, and my brother in- 
vited him to come and spend an evening w ith 
him, he consented, and appointed the next. 
This gave me much joy, hoping to know how 
he obtained the salvation of God. The night 
arrived, I took my seat in the corner, and 
was attentive to hear — and to the joy of my 
heart, their first conversation was relating 
how they obtained the salvation of God. 
They both related in their experiences, that 
when they viewed their need of salration^ 
they sought the Lord Jesus in this language, 
»' Lord have mercy on me a sinner !" I went 
to bed that night with joy in my heart, and 
now thought that I knew how I might obtain 
salvation. And it was the constant cry of my 
heart when I was awake, for several weeks, 
Baying, Lord have mercy on me a sinner ! I 



8 

did not so much realise myself a sinner then 
as I did afterwards ; but felt myself in a very 
miserable condition, and knew of no other 
way to find relief While I continued to 
pray, my mind became solemn, and for seve- 
ral days felt so weighed down, that I changed 
my prayer ; and my cry was. Lord what shall 
I do ? One day w hile praying in this manner, 
it was clearly made known to my understand- 
ing, that if I would make my mind known to 
my brother and sister, I should find peace. 
The adversary of souls, then suggested to my 
mind ; you are too young to have religion, no 
person ever experienced religion so young as 
you are ; and your young mates will laugh 
at you — you had better omit seeking the 
Lord, until you are eighteen or twenty years 
of age ; for then you can obtain the salvation 
of God as well as now : While under these 
severe temptations, I was convinced that one 
of tw^o things I must do, either give up pray- 
ing, or else tell my brother my feelings. I 
finally concluded to give up seeking the Lord, 
until I had a more convenient opportunity. 
Soon after, being in the field alone, the sun 
being about an hour high in the afternoon, I 
beganjo give attention to the temptations of 
the enemy ; and finally, repeated these words^ 
three times, with an audible voice; I will 
give up seeking the Lord until I am eighteen 
or twenty years old. As soon as I had repeat- 
ed these words, all those solemn and tender 
impressions, which I felt, left me, and dark- 
ness filled my mind. The next morning, was 



9 

sent to gather some wood for the lire, and 
while in the woods, my thoughts were why do 
1 feel so stupid ? It immediately came into 
my mind, that I had griev ed the holy spirit of 
God. O ! what condemnation and horror ot 
mind I then felt. My thoughts were that I 
had sinned away my day of grace, and now 
there was no merey for me ; I cried aloud to 
the Lord for mercy, and wept bitterly before 
him, and for a little while thought 1 should 
never be forgiven for grieving his holy spirit. 
My mind was now much exercised about 
my awful condition ; but after some time, my 
mind being Ireed from its burden, I began to 
feel a love for God, and to his children, and 
enjoyed a degree of peace for many months. 
It was a great satisfaction to me to hear the 
bible read ; and through that summer had ma- 
ny solemn and joyful seasons in secret prayer 
and meditating, that in some future day I 
should preach the gospel to the world of man- 
kind. I did not know at that time God had 
forgiven my sins, but hoped that he would. 
In the fall and winter following, my mind be- 
came more taken up with vanity and youth- 
ful pleasures, and little bj little, lost all the 
enjoyment I had in meditating on divine 
things. In the sprhig following, I was sent to 
work for Mr. John Tufls, in the lov/er part of 
the town where the reformation had been ; 
here ^ had the privilege of attending several 
meetings, in which I heard the saints tell the 
happiness they felt, from time to time in the 
service of God ; and while hearing them de^ 



10 

scribe the beauties of the Redeemer, was mucii 
impressed to tell some of the feelings of my 
heart ; but the cross was so great, that I griev- 
ed every impression away. One evening in 
particular, remember hearing Mrs. Tuffs talk- 
ing with one of her sisters in the Lord, upon 
the subject of religion, my heart burned with- 
in me, to tell them my feelings — but sat silent 
till I grieved the tender spirit from my heart, 
and darkness and distress again filled my mind. 
Then I arose, went out of the house, prayed to 
God, and promised the Lord that if he would 
give me the same feelings of heart again, I 
would tell the feelings of my mind. I then re- 
turned into the house, and again felt the im- 
pression to speak, to that degree, that it caused 
me grtatly to tremble ; yet I was still disobe- 
dient, and those heavenly impressions left me. 
I lived five years with my brother in the prov- 
ince of Maine, and then returned to Middlebo- 
rough, my Uc.tive town. I often thought of my 
youngest sister, and wanted to tell her the ne- 
cessity of seeking the salvation of God, before 
she died, and wanti-d to warn her not to do as 
I had done ; and often, in my reflections, would 
weep, while thinking that once and again, I 
might have obtained the salvation of the Lord, 
h id I followed the teachings of his spirit ; but 
now it Was too late, for instead of growing any 
better, I was continually growing more harden- 
ed in sin. I did not feel those solemn tender im- 
pressions of mind, hat I once did, while med- 
itating on heaven nd divine things ;' but my 
thoughts on death, judgment and eternity j 



11 

were dreadful to me. la the spring of 1 804*> 
after I arrived at Middleborough, from the 
province of Maine, I found that my youngest 
sister had experienced religion the summer be- 
fore, and had been baptized, this caused my 
heart to rejoice on her behalf ; but, as soon as I 
began to think on my ow^n situation, and that I 
had no part with her, I went out and wept bit- 
terly. 

But through my unbelief, and not attending 
to the whisperings of the spirit of God, the im- 
pressions that I then felt soon wore off, as the 
others had done. I now was entered my fif- 
teenth year, and had to seek a home for myself, 
in this wide world, without having a fathers 
house, or home. My mind now looked for- 
ward, in hopes to find happiness in the things 
of this world ; and while eagerly pursuing 
them, soon found myself one of the first in the 
gay circles. I did not believe that happiness 
was to be/ound among the baser sort. And 
was determined whenever I went into a new 
place, not to join any company, could I not have 
an invitation to join with the more honourable; 
and this, no doubt, was the means of keeping 
me from many an hurtful sin, that otherwise 
would have fallen upon me. After taking un- 
wearied pains for several years, to find substan- 
tial joys in the gay circles of life, I was brought 
to say, in the language of the scriptures, " van- 
ity of vanities, all is vanitv, and vexation of 
spirit." But the gracious Lord was still mer- 
ciful to me, and often taught me, that the road 
that I then was in, was tlie broad way to de- 



12 

str^ction. In the spring of 1809, while trav- 
elling on the road from Middlcborough to Bos- 
ton, it came into my mind, that the age had ar- 
rived that I promised to serve God, when in 
my twelfth year. But, O ! what a distance I 
now found myself to be from him, and while 
viewing my wretched situation — having no 
hope, and without God in the world — I lifted 
up my cries and wept as I went along the road. 
I arrived in Boston, and took passage in a 
Packet for North-Yarmouth, in the province of 
Maine. From thence, went to the town of 
Bath, on Kennebeck river. I still had happi- 
ness in view ; I had not found it in the ball- 
chamber; therefore concluded, that it might 
be found in crossing the ocean, visiting the dif- 
ferent nations and cities of the world. And as 
there was a vessel bound to the West Indies, 
and from thence to several parts of the conti- 
nent of Europe, I concluded to go on board, 
and see if happiness could not be found in this 
way ; but all the time I was preparing for the 
voyage, there was something within that seem- 
ed to forbid my going ; but I was so hardened 
at this time, that I gave but little attention to 
the teaching of the good spirit of God. But, 
O ! the goodness of God, in preserving me 
from time to time. For as soon as the Brig 
was rendy to sail, we castofFour fasts, and sail- 
ed down the river with a pleasant breeze from 
the north-west, and thought soon to see the 
European continent — but on our arriving in 
sight of the mouth of the river, the wind shift- 
ed to the east, and a storm, blew a gale, which 



lasted forty-eight hours. We lay at anchor 
until the second morning after the storm be- 
gan ; the wind came fair, and at the dawning of 
the day, all hands were called to prepare for 
getting underway ; a fresh breeze from the 
north west, and the tide setting very rapidly 
down the river, about sunrise the vessel drag- 
ged her anchors, and was carried with the wind 
and tide, very furiously, against a point of 
rocks that ran out into the river and broke in her 
stern. Then I thought how awful must our 
situation have been, had this happened one 
hundred miles from the shore ; surely, we all 
must have had a watery grave. I felt to give 
thanks to God for his goodness in sparing ni}^ 
life again. From this time I gave over the 
idea of finding happiness in crossing the ocean, 
and this summer worked in^he town of Au- 
gusta ; and in the winter, visited my brethren 
in Wilton, in the county of Kennebeck ; when 
I arrived there, I found that their chief subject 
of conversation was about going to the state of 
Ohio. Those who had been to see it, had re- 
turned at)d represented it as the most delight- 
ful part of the world. My eldest brother had 
sold h^s farm, and was making preparations to 
move there the summer following. While 
hearing them describe the beauty and fertility 
of the soil, and the noble rivers that ran through 
the diflPerent parts of the country, I began to 
think I had not travelled far enoui^h to find the 
land of happiness, and was again determined to 
find happiness, if it was to be had in this world. 
Not being contented in mind, to wait for my 
2 



14 

brother until lie was ready to go, therefore, 
left the principal part of my clothing for my 
brother to bring on with him, hoping to meet 
him at the head of Ohio river, having con- 
eluded to take a circuitous route through the 
state of New- York. On the 5th of June, 1810, 
I bid my brethren farewell, and commenced 
my journey on foot for the west^ in full expec- 
tation that I should find the land of happiness 
before I returned to my native place again. I- 
journied through the state of New-Hampshire, 
and a corner of Vermont, crossed the Hudson 
river at the city of Albany ; from thence trav- 
elled to the town of Lile, in the county of 
Ijroom, where I had tlie pleasure of seeing a 
sister whom I had not seen for more than elev- 
en years before. She was a small girl when I 
saw^ her last, but now she w^as married, had an 
agreeable companion and two children, and 
they were very anxious that I should make 
their house my home, and live in that part of 
the country. My reply to them was, that I 
was in pursuit of a better country. 

While on the way to my sister's, passing 
through a town near to the Surnango river, 
where a great reformation was among the peo- 
ple, night overtook me before I found a tav- 
ern, and I got the privilege to put up in a pri- 
vate house. The old gentleman and his wife 
I soon found were professors of religion, and 
they had one daughter that had lately experi- 
enced it ; and when I found that they were 
much engaged in the cause of God, I con- 
versed with'them ft-eely upon the reasonable- 



15 

ness of religion, and of the importance that 
mankind should attend to the glorious subject. 
They were very attentive to hear, but in the 
midst of my conversation a thought entered 
my mind, that, frv)m my talk, they would take 
me to be a professor of religion, and would ask 
me to pray. 

I immediately arose, and made as though J. 
was in a great hurry to go to bed, and after I 
went to bed, I feared that they would ask me 
in the morning whether I had ever experienced 
religion ; but to avoid this, thought that I 
would set out very early in the morning, and 
as the day began to dawn, I arose and asked 
the man what I had to pay ; he arose and told 
me that I was welcome to what I had received, 
and he and his wife urged me very strong to 
stop and take breakfast I made many excu- 
ses ; but before I could get away the family 
were all up, and when they saw that I would 
go, the good woman said to me, her daughter 
requested her to ask me if I had ever experi- 
enced religion : I told them that I had not ; the 
daughter burst mto a flood tears and cried a- 
loLid ; I bid them farewell, and continued on my 
journey. But O ! what distress filled my mind 
through that day, I was impressed in mind a 
number of times to go back, and to work in 
the neighbourhood where the reformation was ; 
it appeared that if I would, God would give 
me a part in it; but I was still disobedient. 

After tarrying a few days with my sister, I 
left her in tears, pursued my journey, came to 
the north branch of the Susquehannah river, at 



16 

Owegah village, went down the same a little 
below Tioga point ; then crossed over a moun- 
tain to Sugar creek, went up the same some 
distance, then crossed another mountain to 
Tawcnda creek, from thence came to the head 
waters of Ly common creek ; this river empties 
itself into the west branch of the Susquehannah. 
I went down this river thirty miles, and had to 
wade through it thirty-two times. It was be- 
tween two mountains which are so high that 
the clouds frequently roll upon their tops, their 
ragged rocky sides are so steep, that wherever 
the river bends so as to touch either side of the 
mountains, the traveller is obliged to wade 
through it. But little part of this country is 
fit to be inhabited, and must be left to the wild 
beasts of the forest. Early in the morning 
went on my way, and began to pass through 
these dreary chasms. In the month of June, 
the morning pleasant and serene, my mnid was 
delighted while passing along the bank of the 
gentle river, in beholding the Deer bound over 
the brush and ranging the forest. I contem- 
plated a life of much happiness in this world. 
But O ! how soon was the scene changed ; for 
about eleven o'clock, when I was five miles 
from any house or habitation of man, the hea- 
vens over my head were covered in darkness, 
with a dreadful rumbling on the tops of the 
mountains, the rain began to pour down in tor- 
rents, and the forked lightning flashing forth its 
vivid streaks. Finding an hemlock tree stand- 
ing by the side of the river, that spread its 
branches in the form of an umbrella, was my 



17 

only shelter. This was the most dreacirul 
thunder-storm that I ever witnessed ; it seem- 
ed for a time that the tops of the mountains 
were in a flame of fire. While I stood tremb- 
ling on the bank of the river, the many times 
that God had called me to forsake my sins and 
to yield obedience to his spirit, cam« with great 
weight into my mind. And my thoughts were 

that this was the place that God had chosen to 

1. 

slay me for my long rebellion ; and in the 
midst of the rolling thunders and forked light- 
nings, I lifted up my voice and said, O, Lord, 
God, save me by this river of water ; let me 
not be slain in this distant land, far from my 
father's house, nor my body be given to the 
wild beasts that are howUng in the forest for 
their prey, nor my soul go down to hell : O, 
Lord, deliver me this once, and I will return to 
my native town and serve thee : Lord, hear 
and save me, by the river of water, this once. 
After having thus prayed, my mind became 
calm, and J believed that God had heard, and 
would answer my prayer. 

After the dreadful tempest was over and 
gone, I began to think on the vow that I had 
made to the Lord; namely, to return to my 
native town and serve him. But instead of per- 
formmg my vow, began to think what my re- 
lations and acquaintance would say should I 
return back at this time. Then I prayed again 
and asked the Lord to let me go and see the 
head of the Ohio river, to take away the re-, 
proach, and then I would return and serve him. 
But to this prayer I had no answer, yet was a- 



18 

fraid of what people would say about my being 
frightened in a thunder-storm and returning 
home ; therefore concluded to pursue my jour- 
ney, and to walk softly before the Lord, and | 
to hasten. Then travelling up the west branch i 
of the Susquehannah about sixty miles to the 
Bold Eagle creek, then crossing the Allegany 
mountains, on the first of July arrived in Pitts- 
burg, in the county of Allegany, state of Penn- 
sylvania, at the head of the Ohio river. 

After viewing the beautiful town of Pitts- 
burg, and the noble Allegany and Mononga- 
hela rivers which there unite and form the ma- 
jestick Ohio, there I was greatly tempted to 
disregard my vow to God ; for in a few hours 
after arriving in Pittsburg, found a French gen- 
tleman in the tavern where I put up, from St. < 
Louis, on the Mississippi. He, after learning 
that I came to see the country, made me an 
offer to go down the river with him in a beau- 
tiful barge of about twenty-five tons, which was 
provided for the purpose of carrying factory 
machinery to the lead mines on the Mississip- 
pi. He said it would be a voyage of about 
thirteen hundred miles by water, and one thou- 
sand back to Pittsburg by land ; and informed 
me, in going this tour, I should have an op- 
portunity to see the best part of the western 
country. The information he gave me upon 
the subject was so pleasing, that I almost con- 
cluded to go to the tavern, get my clothes, and 
go the voyage* But, coming out of the barge, 
I saw two large men come out from another 
on to the shore, stripped of all their clothes 



19 

but their trovvsers, and went to iighting. 
These were the first two men that I ever siuv 
fight i and to me the sight was awful ! Then 
these words came mto my mmd, ^*Up, get ye 
out of this place." 

My vow came mth solemnity into my mind, 
and I greatly feared that the Lord would slay 
me for my disobedience ; I then quickly arose, 
went to the tavern, payed my bill, took my 
staff, and hastened out of the place, without 
even daring to look back, for fear the Lord 
would destroy me~I took: the great road that 
leads from Pittsburg to Philadelphia, and re- 
crossed the Allegany mountains ; crossed the 
Susquehannah nigh Harrisburg, and the Dela- 
ware at Eastown, and came into the state of 
New-Jersey — having travelled about four hun- 
dred miles on my return to New- England. 1 
began to reflect on the miserable situation that 
I was in. I hcd travelled about fourteen hun- 
dred miles ; my money was nearly spent, and 
then was three hundred miles from my nati\e 
place. My thoughts w^ere, if I undertook to 
beg, the journey was so long that I shall starve ; 
and I did not dare to eneae-e to work, for fear 
that the Lord would destroy me for my rebel- 
lion against him. My mind here was brought 
to a great strait, which way to look for help, I 
did not know, having so long sinned against 
God ; I feared to ask for his assistance. In 
this situation of mind, under the shade of a 
large oak that stood by the way-side, I sat 
down, being wearied in body and tried in mind; 
placed my head upon my pack, and fell asleep 



- 20 

—but soon awoke, and to my great surprise, 
found a silver dollar and t^vo cents within an 
hand's breadth of my face, I arose, picked up 
the money, and with gladness of heart, lifted 
my hands towards heaven, and thanked God 
for his goodness to me* Believing now, that 
if I put my trust in him he would prosper my 
way, and bring me in peace to my native land. 
At that time I truly thought that God had pro- 
vided money from heaven to supply my wants. 
But unbelief again soon arose, and I was much 
troubled about my situation while travelling on 
the road ; my mind was led to make a promise 
to God ; and, secondly, to ask a sign of him. 
My promise to the Lord was, that if he would 
permit me to hire myself to work a few months, 
that I would separate myself from all vain com- 
pany ; and when I had procured some money 
and clothes, that then I would return to my na- 
tive town and serve him. The sign was, that 
I should ask the first man that I saw on the 
road, if he wanted to hire ? Should he say 
yes, then I would go to work ; if he said no, 
then I would hasten on my return. Travel- 
ling a considerable distance without finding any 
on the road, and arriving on the top of School- 
ey's mountain, in the state of New- Jersey, the 
first man that I saw was Ezra Halsy, of Mor- 
ristown, who, with a company of men, were 
gravelling the turnpike road that leads from 
Newark to Eastor, on the Delaware river. I 
enquired of him if he wanted to hire ; he an- 
jswered, yes ; and wished me to call on his fath- 
er for that purpose. He was a fine man, and I 



21 

lived and worked for him five months. The 
Supreme Governor of the world was kind to 
me, although for several months I lived a sober 
and steady life, yet I was disobedient, and did 
not strictly observe my promise to him. 

That winter I went to school in the county 
of Morris, and in the spring of 1811, had many 
kind offers from people in that state. But 
while viewing the goodness of God in sparing 
my life, I thought it to be my duty to return 
home and serve him. Accordingly, the first of 
May following, I commenced my journey anew, 
came to the town of Newark, crossed over the 
north river to the city of New- York, from 
thence to the town of East Haven in Connecti- 
cut. Having stopped at a tavern near the meet- 
ing-house towards the close of the day, my 
mind was delighted with the beauty and situa- 
tion of the town, and had some desire to stay 
and form some acquaintance with the inhabi- 
tants of this part of the country. I went into 
the field and prayed to the Lord to permit me 
to stay and work in this part of the country, 
promising him that I would not join any com- 
pany whatever, and that whenever he impressed 
my mind to return to Middleborough, I would 
obey. • Then said I, Lord, if it is thy will that 
I may tarry awhile in this place, send some per- 
son to tke tavern this evening, that shall en- 
quire after labourers ? After praying to the 
Lord in the field, I returned to the tavern 
house, and there being a store adjoining it, I 
went in there ; and sitting until late in the eve- 
ning, about the time that I was leaving the 



22 

store and returning to go to bed, there came iu 
a gentleman by the name of John Hemminvvay, 
who enquired for a young man that wanted to 
let himself for the season ? This was an evi- 
dence that the Lord was willing for me to tar- 
ry in the place. We had some conversation 
that evening, and the next morning we agreed 
on wages, oa this condition, namely, that when- 
ever I should tell him that I wanted to go a- 
way, he should pay me for what I had done, 
without even asking me why I had a desire so 
to do. He thought strange of my making such 
a request, yet agreed to the condition. Mr. 
Hemminway had a great property ; here I liv- 
ed, kept my promise, and walked in fear be- 
fore the Lord, for seven or eight months ; and 
the Lord gave me favour in the sight of the 
people, that I often thought I was as highly fa- 
voured as Joseph of old was in the land of E- 
gypt. Here were a people of refined manners 
as any I ever had seen in the United States. 
When the most respectable class of young peo- 
ple seeii)g my conduct to be strictly moral, 
they invited me to join in their parties ; but 
for more than seven months I declined joining 
any company, and attended strictly to my em- 
ployment. In my leisure hours, attended to 
reading in my Bible and to secret prayer : 
And I now believe that I possessed the peace 
of God, though at that time did not realize the 
enjoyment of saints. And was so far from be- 
lieving that ever I had experienced the forgive- 
ness of my sins, that the greater part of the 



23 

time my mind was much troubled through fear 
that I had sinned away my day of grace. 

My mind often ran back to the summer I 
was eleven years old, and prayed that I might 
feel again as I then felt ; for my thoughts w'ere, 
could I have that distress and burthen again on 
my mind, it would be an evidence that my day 
of grace was not past. My greatest trouble 
that I endured was, that I was so little sensible 
of my state, and often prayed to God that I 
might feel conviction anew. But instead of 
distress, I had peace in my mind, and felt to 
praise and give thanks to God for his goodness; 
yet, at other times, feared that I never should 
have any part in the kir.gdom of God's dear 
Son. While in this state, I learned that the 
**work of righteousness is peace," and also, 
that the ** wages of sin is death." 

For more than seven months I forsook the 
vanities of the world, and walked uprightly and 
spent much of my time in reading the scrip, 
tures, in prayer aiul in meditation on heavenly 
and divine things. This brought peace to my 
mind which I enjoyed from time to time, un- 
til I turned again^to Tolly. After I had w^orked 
seven months with Mr. Hemminway, he and 
his wife made me a present of about twenty 
dollars. I then thought of returning to my 
native town and serve God according to my 
former promises. But he was loath to have me 
go, and said that I should be welcome to board 
with him four months, and go to school if I 
wished. This kind offer I accepted., and lived 
with him and ^^Tnt to school through the win- 



24 

ter. Living reserved for a number of months, 
the thinking part of the people conjectured ma- 
ny things, some conckided that I was unac- 
quainted with company ; Vvhile some profes- 
sors of religion said they thought I was a 
young man in disguise, and that I had been a 
professor of religion and a preacher of the gos- 
pel, and that I had met with some great disap- 
pointment in life, therefore had withdrawn from 
all my acquaintance O ! happy retreat! what 
peace my mind enjoyed while separated fiom 
the vanities of the world ; yea, the recollection 
of the manner in which I lived those eight 
months, brings joy to my mind even to the 
present time. 

But, reader — a new manner of life will soon 
present itself to view^ the recollection of which 
causes sorrow of heart to the present day, 
Mr Hemminway often solicited me to join the 
youth in their parties, and also to spend an eve- 
ning with him at his partner's store and tav- 
ern ; but I always found an excuse until 
Christmas-day evening. 

Mr. Hemminway being at the village in the 
centre of the town with his sleigh, the young 
men enquired of him where I was ? He said 
at home, by the fire-side. They then conclud- 
ed they would come and take me by force and 
carry me in one of their sleighs up to the tav- 
ern. Accordingly, they came and gave me an 
invitation to take a sleigh ride with them, 
Vv'hich I refused. They told me I had been 
eight months in the town and had not spent 
one evening either in the ball- chamber or at 



25 

the tavern; and, said they, we are determined 
to have it to say that you liave been to the 
tavern once, if you came immediately away. 
Then Mrs. Hemminway said to me, if you 
will go and spend the evening at the tavern, 
I will go too. She being a professor of relig- 
ion, I thought if she iccnf, it would do for me. 
O ! how is our Redeemer's cause wounded be- 
fore the world of mankind, when we do not 
live agreeable to our profession. 

\¥hen riding up to town, I thought I would 
let my companions know that I was acquaint- 
ed with company, and could sport as well as 
any of them. From that evening all of tliat 
sweet peace of mind which I had enjoyed, left 
me; and my mind gave way to the'^pleasures of 
sin; and for about four months, run as great 
lengths in vanity as ever I did. I lived with 
Mr. Hemminway a year and an half; was 
kindly treated by him and his family. After 
departing from serving the Lord, and disre- 
garding my vow, there was an evil spirit 
which troubled me from time to time, until I 
Cfime to a resolution to return and serve the 
Lord. 

In September, 1812, left my friends in East- 
Haven, travelled through Rhode-Island, and 
soon arrived in my native town. The Bap- 
tist Church where I was to perform my vow, 
and declare to be for God and none else, was 
in a very cold situation, and very little said 
about religion — and I found myself still too 
proud to own the Lord. After I left Connec- 
ticut, I forsook the vanities of the youth, such 
3 



26 

as parties, balls, &c. and went to Roxbury, in 
Massachusetts, to work on a farm. Mj mind 
soon began to reach after something more 
noble, and I concluded that there was happi- 
ness to be found in ransacking the stores of 
science, and that winter went to school in the 
town of Roxbury. The prospect before me 
was encouraging— but soon all my hopes 
wore blasted — for I had not attended school 
four months, before the Lord laid his afflict- 
ing hand on me, and disappointed my pros- 
pects. And now, I can truly say, blessed be 
his holy name, for all the chastenings that 
ever I received from his gracious hand. 

I was taken with such tightness and dis- 
tress across my breast, that I could neither 
study, nor work but little. All my hopes of 
happiness in this world were now cut off. 
In May, 1813, I went to the town of Rainham, 
adjoining my native town, and made my home 
with Noah Williams, who married my eldest 
sister. After my return to Mr. Williams's, it 
came into my mind the many times I had 
prayed to God, that whenever he saw fit to 
take me out of this world, that he would grant 
me the privilege of a long sickness, if haply, 
I might find salvation at the eleventh hour. 
The thoughts of dying suddenly, was dread- 
ful to me. I concluded that God had heard 
my prayers, and that my disorder m ould ter- 
minate in a consumption — and soon I should 
have to try the realities of another Avorld ; 
And under these impressions of mind, I bo- 



' 27 

o-aii to read the Bible, and to attend to secret 
prayer again. 

I had now almost given up going to meet- 
ing; for, let me go where 1 would, I heard 
bat very little prekched but the confused un- 
scriptural doctrines of the stoicks ; namely, 
that God had fore-ordained whatsoever comes 
to pass ; and if I was one that had been elect- 
ed from all eternity, I should be saved, let 
me do what I woaid— if i was not of the e- 
iect, I must be damned. If these things are 
so, what benefit is there in going to meethi^ ^ 
Surely none. I could not see any advantage 
in it then, neither do I at the present time. 
But when I left those God dishonouring doc- 
trines of men, and took my bible and retired 
to some secret place, therein I could behold 
myself, as in a glass, and could read the aw- 
ful threatenings against the wicked, and the 
glorious promises to the righteous. 

Throu2:h this summer I ffave attention to 
reading of the scriptures, to prayer, and to 
meditating' on the vrorks of God. There was 
but little said upon the subject of religion in 
this part of the country — and I believed that 
1 had as much as any of them ; yea, more 
than many that professed to be the children 
of God". Paul said, he lived a Pharisee ; aid 
a Pharisaical garment I wore, until the third 
of September following, when it was rent 
asunder, and I was convinced that it would 
not hide the shame of my nakedness before 
the burning throne of God. A circumstance 
took place on that day, which divested me of 



28 

my Pharisaical garment. In the afternoon, 
while sitting in my sister's house, one of the 
neighbours came in and asked, if she had 
heard of the death of Dr. Godfrey, of Taun- 
ton ? She replied no. He said that the 
Doctor came home from visiting the sick the 
last evenmg, eat supper as usual, and went to 
bed ; In the morning, his wife supposing him 
to be asleep, got up carefully and went down ; 
that after breakfast had been ready some 
time, his daughter concluding that something 
:^io-ht be the matter with her father, went into 
1 he chamber to awake him, and, alas ! he was 
i'ound to be dead. This gave my mind a sol- 
emn shock, and, without saying a word, I a- 
rose, went out of the house and went through 
a pasture, and seating myself on the side of an 
liill, my thoughts run thus: — Dr. Godfrey no 
doubt has been the means, in the hand of 
God, of saving many lives ; but his own he 
could not. He is now gone the way of all the 
earth; and if lie was prepared for death, he 
is now in heaven rejoicino; bevond this trou- 
])lesome world. If not, where is he ? Sure- 
ly he is gone down to death ; his fate is now 
fixed, and he can never again have another 
offer of salvation. 

Then a solemn question seemed to be ask- 
ed me— shoulcf you go to bed tliis night, and 
awake in another world before the light of a- 
nother morning, what would be your situa- 
tion? Then 1 saw my "righteousness was 
as filthy rags, and I was an unclean thing." 
Isaiah, 64, 6. O, what horror then seized my 



29 

mind. I found tiie words of Jesus to be true, 
which he spake to his disciples ; namely, that 
he would " send the Comforter, which is the 
Holy Ghost; and when it is come, it shall 
briag all things to your remembrance." My sins 
were now set in order before me, and plainly 
I saw the many times that God had called me 
to repent of my sins and turn to him : but I 
had slighted all of them, and now which way 
to look for help, 1 did not know ; for to call 
upon the Lord for merey, when I had so often 
sinned agairist him, I thought it would be ad- 
ding sin to sin. 

While thinking on my lost condition, there 
was a voice that seemed to speak to my un- 
derstanding, and asked me, are you willing to 
have salvation ? I answered yes, Lord. On 
what condition ? On any. For nothing ap- 
peared iij be too great a sacrifice in this life^ 
could I obtain eternal life in the world to 
come. Yea, I was willing to be an outcast, 
and to be accounted the off-scouring of all 
things, by all people, through the remainder 
of my days, if I could be accepted of the Lord 
at last. Then the vow that i had made to the 
Lord, more than three vears since, came with 
great weight upon my mind, with this ques- 
tion : are you now willing to go and perform 
your vow ? I answered, yes. Lord, 1 am. 
And blessed be God, I found " to obey, is 
better than sacrifice; and to hearken, than 
the fat of rams." First Samuel, 15, 22. 

Elder Daniel Hix, of Dartmouth, had then 
an appointment made, to preach the next day. 
3* 



30 

at two o'clock, P. M. ;at the Baptist meeting- 
house in the town of Middleborough, my na- 
tive place. In the solemnity of my soul, I lif- 
ted my hands towards heaven, and said, now 
Lord God, if thou will only give me strength 
to go to meeting to-morrow, and if I perform 
not my vow, I pray thee never to hear my 
prayers again. When I had said thus, w ith 
great distress of mind and trembling of limbs, 
I returned to the house ; it was after sunset, 
went into my bedroom, greatly fearing that I 
should be called out of time into eternity be- 
fore another day. 1 kneeled by the side of 
my bed, and asked the Lord to spare my life 
through that night. I awoke the next morn- 
ing and found myself in this world, preserved 
by his mercy. I soon arose and thanked the 
Lord for his goodness; and after breakfast 
set out for the meeting, about eight miles dis- 
tant. 

There was a large concourse of people 
that attended. Elder Hix took his text in 
Matthew, 7. 24, 25, 26, 27. I gave but little 
attention to the sermon, for I was thinking on 
what I had to perform. While I was sitting 
and beholding the multitude, the enemy of 
souls was continually harrassing my mind, 
and suggesting to me, that it would be as well 
to pray m secret, as to come out in the pres- 
ence of all the people and tell them my feel- 
ings — that if I attempted to arise, my strength 
would fail me. But I felt to resist those 
temptations, and was determined to obey. 
As soon as the Elder had finished his di8- 



31 

course, he said there was liberty for any one 
that had any thhig to say. Immediately 1 took 
hold of the side of the pew to support mc, 
(for I greatly trembled before the Lord,) and 
arose, and addressed the people : — 

My friends, I have come to perform a vow, 
that I have vowed unto the l^ord. This cal- 
led the attention of the whole congregation. 
Then I said, upwards of twenty-three years 
have I lived and spent all of my days in sin- 
ning against God, the best of beings ; and I 
have read in the scriptures, that the " eflfec- 
tual fervent prayer of the righteous man, a- 
vaileth much." And if there are any in this 
assembly, that have an interest at the 
throne of grace, and can feel to pray for one 
of your fellow creatures ; that is bound with 
you to the grave, and from thence to the eter- 
nal judgment of God ; who has no Christ to 
be his friend, iK)r to own him in that day — I 
want you should pray for me. Then turning 
to my young companions, I addressed them as 
follows : My young friends, I have been one 
of the loremost to lead vou down the broad 
way to destruction; my advice now is, that 
you would not follow me, for I am bound to 
hell; and if you follow me, I shall lead you 
there; and 1 beseech you to turn and seek 
the Lord while he may be found. 

When I had said these words, I sat down. 
Elder Hix then arose and said, brethren, let 
us pray ! And he lifted up his voice unto the 
Lord like a trumpet for help. He seemed to 
realize, that, " the godly man ceaseth, for the 



32 



faithful fail from among the children of men '' 
And that '* salvation is of the Lord." It seem- 
ed to me that there was no obstruction between 
him and the eternal throne of God And yet, 
111 all ol tins, I was not permitted to shed a 
tear, 

VVhen meeting was ended, there was a i^od. 
ly old mother in Israel, came by the pew with 
tears of joy flowmg down her cheeks She 
gave me her hand, and said, Levi, I am Had to 
see you where you are, and passed on. The 
tears then flowed freely from my eyes, for, said 
1, what does the woman mean by saying that 
she IS glad to see me in this situation ? I am 
m the broad road that leads to destruction, and 
must quickly go down to helL Surely, I have 
been such a sinner, that the saints rejoice to see 
me go down to the regions of darkness, I he d 
now performed my vow, but had not found 
any relief; and now I began to think that sure- 
ly I am gone forever. O, what keen distress 
now seized my soul ! When I came out of 
the meetmg-house, Ebenezer Pearce, of Mid- 
dleoorough, came and took me by the hand 
and led me out of the crowd. He asked me 
how long I had wanted religion F I answered, 
t^iat I had travelled East, West, North, and 
bouth, to find happiness in this world, but had 
not found it. My desire now is to find a path 
that leads to heaven and happiness. The tears 
flowed from my eyes, and turning from him, I 
concluded to go to my brother's, which was 
about four miles distance. There was a per. 
son to be baptized that afternoon, but I felt to 



33 

mourn my wretched situation alone. My 
brother and his son followed me. I travelled 
alono; the road weeping ; my prayer was, U 
Lord, shew me the path that leads to heaven 

and happiness. , t j- 1 . 4- 

In this keen distress of soul, I did not cast 
any blame upon old father Adam, my yomig 
companions, nor the devil. Neither did I be- 
lieve that God had brought me into this awlul 
situation. Mv feelings were, if I am sent to 
hell, God will be just, and his throne clear lor 
ever ; *' because he has called, and I have re- 
fused ; he has stretched out his hand, and 1 
h^c disregarded.'' Proverbs 1 24. I now 
clearly saw myself undone, and that 1 had 
plunged myself into this dreadful situation. — 
And I felt determined, if I went to hell, to go 
crying to God for mercy. ^ ^ 

Travelling about two miles in this situation, 
I ascended upon the top of an hill, my face to- 
wards the west : On a sudden, the appearance 
of a great vv^hite cloud was before me, which ex- 
tended to the west farther than my eyes could 
<;ee. To give vou a similitude, it was like a 
great sheet in a 'spacious hall, fostened by two 
of the corners on the chamber floor, at the far- 
ther end of the hall, and letting the other two 
corners be brought within four feet of the floor. 
The edge of the cloud seemed to come nigh to 
me. 1 stopped in the middle of the road, my 
mind was led to inquire what it was. V\ hue 
beholding the cloud, which was white as snow, 
I saw at some distance the appearance of a four 
wheel carriage, with two horses, coming to- 



34 

wards me; the horses and carriage exceeded any 
thing for whiteness that I had ever seen ; and 
a great train of people, all dressed in long white 
robes, that followed after it. Their hair, long 
and white, hting in ringlets over their shoul- 
ders, and the end of their train I could not see. 
The carriage came to the edge of the cloud 
next to mc ; then wheeled to the right, and 
brought the side of the carriage towards me, 
and stopped I then saw sitting in it, the 
most beautiful person that I ever beheld. 
He had a band that went round his head, and 
the appearance of flashes of lightning went out 
of it. He leaned forwards towards me, spread 
his arms, and with an agreeable smile, bid me 
welcome to heaven. And immediately all was , 
drawn up again. 

The great burthen of my sins fell in a mo- 
ment from my mind ; and like the lame man 
that was healed at the beautiful j^ate of the 
Temple, I felt like leaping, and walking, and 
praising God. It seemed that I was in a new 
world, and could say, that " old things arc 
done away, and behold all things become new." 
O ! what love I felt to God, and to all his chil- 
dren, whatever name or denomination ; but es- 
pecially to those that lived the nearest to him. 
And my love did not stop here, for I had a love 
for poor sinners, and wished to invite them, in 
the language of the woman of Samaria, *' come 
and see a man that has told me all things that 
ever I did, is not this the Christ?" Then I 
saw a fulness in Christ to save all the human 
family, if they will forsake their sins and come 



SB 

to him ; and I thank God that I sec the same 
fulness in him at the present time — for if the 
Lord was willing to save such a great sinner as 
I was, none need despair of salvation. My 
heart overflowed with the love of God ; I cried 
aloud for joy of heart, and praised his precious 
name. My brother came back to me. I told 
him I had found the way that leads to heaven 
and happiness ; for I had seen the Lord Jesus 
Christ, v/ho is the v/ay, the truth, and the life. 
Then went on to my brother's. Oh ! how light 
I feh ; it seemed to me I hardly felt the ground 
1 walked upon. As soon as I entered the 
house, Mr. Harvy, my brother's father-in-law, 
asked, what kind of a meeting had you ? Such 
a meeting, I replied, as I never had before — - 
for, since leaving the meeting house, the Lord 
Jesus has met me on the way, and it is the best 
meeting that I ever had. My sister then ask- 
ed, if I had got religion ? I replied, whether I 
have experienced religion or not, I cannot say; 
but one thing I know, whether in heaven above, 
or on the earth or under the earth, if I always 
feel as I do now, it will be a heaven to me. 

After retiring to bed, I began to reflect how 
great the change was in my feelings, and how 
dift'erent every thing appeared— and a question 
then arose in mv mind, whether I had really 
experienced the salvation of God, or not ? I 
then prayed to God to give me an evidence ; 
and while praying, this scripture came into my 
mind with great sweetness : " He that endur- 
eth to the end, the same shall be saved.*' 
Then I said, Lord, help me to endure to the 



36 

end. And O, the love which then flowed into 
iny heart, caused me to wet my pillow with 
tears of gratitude, and then fell asleep. 

On Saturday morning after I awoke, it seem- 
ed I was in a new world, and that all creation 
was praising God in the highest key of adora- 
tion. Sunday, the 5th of September, returned 
to the same meeting-house, and heard elder 
Rounsaful, of Freetown, preach. As soon as 
he hud ended his discourse, I arose, and told 
the people what great things the Lord had done 
for my soul, and found a blessing in doing it. 
Sunday evening my mind was filled with dark- 
ness — went to bed in trouble — awoke on Mon- 
day morning, my mind was still in darkness, 
and so continued through the day. Yet a lit- 
tle hope remained, that the Lord would yet de- 
liver me. Monday evening was a distressing 
time with me. On Tuesday, arose at the 
dawn of the day ; my mind was filled with the 
greatest horror of darkness that I ever ex peri- 
enced, before, or since ; and in this awful des- 
pair, before the sun arose, I went to see a Cal- 
vinistick Baptist preacher, which was then in 
the neighbourhood — hoping to receive some 
instruction of him — invited him to go with me 
— we walked a little distance together, without 
saying a word. Then I told him, a few days 
before, I believed God had forgiven my sins, 
and that I felt to love him, and all of the crea- 
tures which he had made, and that all creation 
seemed to praise him. But now, I am without 
love to God, and to his creatures ; neither do 
I see any beauty in heaven above, nor on the 



57 

earth beneath ; and I want that you should tell 
me what manner of spirit I am of? He said a 
number of things, but to me he was a physi- 
cian of no value. I heard him until I was sat- 
isfied that he did not understand my case, then 
went from him without sayin^^ any more. 

While returning to the house, the tempter 
presented to me all the beauty and pleasures of 
this world ; yea, all the riches and honours that 
I had ever desired. w( re presented before me, 
with a promise that I should have them all, 
would I abandon religion. At the same time, 
he represented religion as the most gloomy 
theme, and if pursued, it would destroy all 
my happiness m this life. This was the great- 
est iri.ii I ever experienced in m)^ life, for it 
seemed that I could not raise one desire from 
the heart to God for help ; and while moving 
slowly along in this great distress, a passage of 
scripture came w^ith weight to my mind : — 
" That which comt th out of the man, that de- 
fileth the man." Mark 7, 20. 

I then had a fear that I should sin with my 
Ij-'js ; and then resolved, that no mortal should 
ever hear che sound of my voice on earth, so 
long as my distress and darkness remained. 
Aft-r returning to the house, I thought to try 
to fiiiish a piir of slioes which I had before be- 
gan. Ereakfast being ready, my sister asked 
me if I was ready to eat ? I gave her no an- 
swer; she soon asked me again, but I said not 
a word. When she saw the great distress my 
soul was in, she said no mnrL*. I was in this 
situation of mind, until about eleven o'clock ; 
4 



38 

when, on a sudden, my mind was taken from 
all earthly objects, and heaven was opened to 
my view. I saw Angels standing before the 
throne of God, and one that I believed to be 
the Son of God, standing in the midst ; there 
was a mist of darkness around the throne, that 
I could not see the shape or form of any being. 
Then he that stood in the midst, said unto me, 
young man arise, and make yourself holy 
enough to come into the presence of Him that 
sits upon the throne. 

O ! how awful was the appearance and his 
language to me ; I so trembled, that my bench 
rocked under me. I then opened my mouth 
and said. Lord Jesus, if thou wilt make me ho- 
ly, I shall be holy enough to come into the 
presence of Him that sits upon the throne ; but 
if not, I shall never be admitted there. When 
I had thus spoken in an instant of time, my 
fears were removed. O ! the light, and love, 
that then flowed into my heart. I arose and 
went out at the door, and every thing seemed 
to be praising the Lord. And the peace of 
God flowed into my soul like a river. I won- 
dered why all people did not praise the Lord 
for his *' goodness, and his wonderful works 
to the children of men." Surely, I could say, 
that the Lord has brought me by a way that I 
knew not : "And I will bring the blind by a 
way that they knew not : I will lead them in 
paths that they have not known : I will make 
darkness light before them, and crooked things 
straight. These things will I do unto them^ 
and not forsake them." Isaiah 42, 16. 



39 

Every thing appeared to rejoice in creation, 
which, a few hours before, seemed as melan- 
choly as the liouse of death. The sun, moon, 
stars, and all the beasts of the field, the fowls 
of the air, now seemed to give forth a pleasant 
smile, and to be declaring the glory of that 
God which created them. In truth, it appear- 
ed to me that I was in a new world. And I 
made this inquiry — Have you an evidence, 
that, if you continue faithful to the end, that 
you will be permitted to join the blood-washed 
throng above, and range the blest fields of glo- 
ry eternally around, and dwell in the presence 
of God and the Laml) ? The answer was, 
yes. What love and gratitude then filled my 
heart— my eyes, filled with tears of joy flowed 
down my fiice in streams. The great mercy 
of God I beheld with astonishment, and could 
say with the Apostle, *' Behold what manner 
of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that 
we should be called the Sons of God." First 
John, 3, 1. The language of the poet I could 
now adapt. 

Amazing grace, and sweet the sound, 

That sav'd a wretch like me ; 
I once was lost, but now am found, 

Was blind, but now I see. 

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear. 

And grace those fears reliev'd ; 
How precious did that grace appear, 

The hour I first believ'd. 

O, cheering reflection ! a few days ago 1 
was a sinner condemned — justly condemned to 



40 

die the second death ; but now pardoned, and 
a hope, a lively hope of immortality in the 
world to come ! The happiness that flowed 
to my mind through fi\ith and hope, may be 
felt, but cannot be described. Yea, the Apos- 
tle saith, it is *^ unspeakable, and full of glory." 
I now began to search the scriptures with a 
prayerful heart, to know what God required of 
me as a child. In searching, I found it re- 
corded in Mark 1,9, ** And it came to pass in 
those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth, of 
Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan." 
Again, in Matthew 16, 24, ** Then said Jesus 
unto his disciples, if any man will come after 
me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross 
and follow me." 

I desired to follow the Lamb ; and was ful- 
ly satisfied that Jesus was immersed in the riv- 
er Jordan. I believed that the Baptists used 
the riglit mode of baptizing; but could not be- 
lieve in their Calvinism ; and I had learned 
that they generally considered baptism to be 
the door into the Church :, and would not bap- 
tize any, unless they would agree to join their 
faith and order. 

After informing a number of the Baptist 
brethren that I desired to be baptized, and have 
the privilege of uniting with any Church that I 
might think proper, they told me that their 
preachers would not baptize me on such a con- 
dition. A few days after, one of the brothers 
that belonged to the Baptist Church, said, that 
if I wished, Elder Daniel Hix, of Dartmouth, 



41 

would baptize me and let me join where I might 
think proper. 

Saturday, September the 11th, I rode to 
Dartmouth, and the next day attended meeting 
with the brethren, and heard elder Hix preach, 
who formerly belonged to the Baptist Confer- 
ence ; and I did not know at this time, but he 
still held with them. Monday morning I saw 
the elder, and told him that I had a desire to be 
baptized, but not to join any Church at pre- 
sent. He said he did not wish to bind me, and 
that he had a meeting appointed at Deacon 
Abial Nelson's, in Middleborough, on Thurs- 
day, the 23d instant, and if I wished to be bap- 
tized, to meet him there. On Thursday, Sep- 
tember 23, 1813, elder Daniel Hix baptized 
me in my native town. After further reflec- 
tion, I thought it a privilege to unite with some 
Church, to have them watch over me for good 
— but was not free to subscribe to any of their 
articles, disciplines, or covenants ; for I believ- 
ed that the scriptures were a sufficient rule for 
faith and practice. 

I will now inform my reader how I became 
acquainted with the people that call themselves 
christians. Soon after I experienced religion, 
a Baptist brother said, that he felt afraid my 
mind would be led astray, if I remained long- 
without joining some Church, and he advised 
me,^ above all things, to keep clear of Elias 
Smith, for he is a dangerous man. I asked, 
what his employment was, and where he lived ? 
He told me he was a preacher, and lived in the 
city of Philadelphia. I was surprised he should 
4 * 



42 

advise me to keep clear of elder Smith, when 
he lived about three hundred miles distant. 
At that time I had never heard of the people 
which now call themselves christians. Afte 
reflecting on the subject, concluded it Vvas my 
privilege to hear and then judge. The next 
Sunday, about sunset, hearing that elder Smith 
was to preach that evening in the meeting- 
house, at Assonet, about six miles distant ; and 
having an anxiety to hear him, I set out, and 
arrived there after he had began his meeting. 
O ! how my heart rejoiced to hear a free salva- 
tion proclaimed to my fellow creatures — my 
anxiety to hear him again was increased, but 
soon found he was on a journey to the east. 
The next day I said to my brethren, that I will 
not say whether he is a good, or bad man ; 
yet, one thing I know, he preached the Lord 
Jesus just as I received him ; for I viewed him 
to be able and willing to save to the uttermost, 
all that will come unto God by him. There 
was a number of Churches and Elders in that 
region that were called Christians ; but no one 
was so good as to inform me about them ; nei- 
ther at that time did I know there was a Church 
on earth that denied all sectarian names and 
creeds, and that believed the scriptures were a 
sufficient rule of faith and practice. 

Soon after this, a brother advised me not to 
attend a general meeting that was to be hold en 
at New-Bedford, the 25th and 26th instant, by 
a great number of Smithites, (for so he called 
them, others called them damnable hereticks.) 
None were so good as to give me their true. 



43 

or own name ; but they represented them as 
the basest of characters, as in the days of the 
Apostles, See 1st Corinthians, 4, 13. 

This was the first general meeting that I 
heard of, and was determined, if the Lord 
would, to attend it. On Friday, the 24th5 
went to Fairhaven, which is opposite to New- 
Bedford ; there lodged at my Aunt's. The 
next morning, inquired something respecting 
the Smidiites, (for I h'd never heard them call- 
ed otherwise ;) my Aunt said, that was not the 
name they owned, but was the name given 
them by their enemies ; they called themselves 
Christians ; and remembering to have read in 
the scriptures of truth, the '* disciples w^ere 
called Christians first inAntioch, (Acts 11, 26,) 
made it a solemn name to me. Saturday morn- 
ing, having crossed the river into New- Bed- 
ford, inquired for the Christian meeting-house. 
When going up to the house, I met three per- 
sons that were coming to open it, Vviiom I af- 
terwards found were disciples of Jesus. I 
asked them if a meeting was to be held there 
that day ? They said, yes. One of them was 
Mr. William Whitten, since known by the 
name of elder Whitten ; he ijiquired if I had 
relations or acquaintance in town ? I told him 
I had none. He invited me to his house, say- 
ing, that the brethren had made provision for 
all strangers that should attend the meeting. 
This appeared like the ancient Christians, who 
were, careful to entertain strangers. While 
going to his house, he inquired if I had expe- 
jienced religion ? I answered, that three weeks 



44 

since, I had obtained a hope in Christ. Ht 
looked smihngly, and we soon entered his 
house. He said to his wife, well, sister Nan- 
cy, here is one of my Father's children ; one 
that has been lately born into the Kingdom. 
She received me with as much affection as if I 
had been htrr natural brother, and had then re- 
turned from a long absence. Such brotherly 
love, manifested towards strangers, I was un- 
acquainted with among professors of religion. 
I had heard so many hard things said about 
them, I was ready to ask, " can there any good 
thing come out of Nazareth ?" 

Those who attended the meeting, were El- 
ders Daniel Hix, Philip Hathaway, Elias 
Smith, Abner Jones, John Rand, Frederick 
Plummer, Benjamin Taylor, and Samuel Rand, 
with a number of younger preachers. Elder 
Samuel Rand, preached first from Hebrews 2, 
11 : — '^ For both he that sanctifieth, and they 
who are sanctified, are all of one : for which 
cause he is not ashamed to call them breth- 
ren," He was a young man ; his voice was 
clear as a trumpet, and his doctrine dropt like 
rain upon the people. I thought it was won- 
derful to see a man as young as he, leave all, 
and range through the world to publish a free 
salvation to poor sinners. In the afternoon, 
elder Smith preached from Acts 3,15: ** And 
killed the Prince of Life, whom God hath rais- 
ed from the dead ; whereof we are witnesses.'' 

O, how precious was this sermon to me. 
He was the first man that I ever heard preach, 
plainly, that Christ is the Son of God. And 



45 

though I had been accustomed to hearing the 
confusing, inconsistent, and unscriptural doc- 
trines of the Trinity preached, yet I never be- 
lieved them. For whenever I read the Bible 
I therein read that he is the Son of God. And 
at the present time I do sincerely believe the 
Apostle who hath said, *' For though there be 
that are called Gods, whether in heaven or in 
earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 
but to us there is but one God, the Father, of 
whom are ail things, and we in him ; and one 
Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and 
we by him." 1st Corinthians, 8, 5, 6. 

In the evening, elder John Rand preached 
from Phillippians, 3,8 9: *' Yea doubtless, 
and I count all things but loss for the excel- 
lency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my 
Lord : for whom I have suffered the loss of all 
things, and do count them but dung, that I 
may win Christ, and be found in him, not 
having mine own righteousness, which is of the 
law, but that which is tlirough the faith of 
Christ, the righteousness which is of God by 
faith.'' A number of the brothers and sisters 
followed, with powerful exhortations ; particu- 
larly one from a sister Teuksbury, from New- 
Hanjpshire ; this was some of her last work 
among the disciples. She went home, and soon 
died in the triumph of faith. On Sunda}", a larger 
concourse of people from, different towiis at- 
tended. Elder Jones preached in the forenoon 
from 1st John, 5, 19 : '* And we know that we 
are of God, and the whole world lieth in wick- 
edness." When he brought forward the evi- 



46 

dences, whereby we may know whether we 
are of God or not ; — O, what an evidence I felt 
in my heart, that I was born of God ; what 
love I felt to God, and to all of his children ; 
tears of gratitude flowed in streams from my 
eyes ; and as soon as he had finished his dis- 
course, I arose, and told the people what great 
things the Lord had done for me. 

In the afternoon, elder Smith preached from 
Ezekiel, 34, 29 : '* And I will raise up for them 
a plant of renown, and they shall be no more 
consumed with hunger in the land, neither 
bear the shame of the heathen any more." He 
spake very largely of the Lord's ancient peo- 
ple, the scattered Jews ; of their return to their 
native land ; and that they would hereafter re- 
ceive the Son of God as their Lord and law- 
giver. 

Thus ended the most heavenly meeting that 
I had ever attended on earth. Surely, we 
were raised up, and sat together in a heavenly 
place in Christ. O, what love was manifested 
among preachers and brethren. I felt, that I 
could say, as Ruth did to Naomi. And Ruth 
said, ^'Intreat me not to leave thee, or to re- 
turn from following after thee : for whither 
thou goest, I will go ; and where thou lodgest, 
I will lodge : thy people shall be my people, 
and thy God my God." Ruth 1, 16. I feel 
to thank God that I ever became acquainted 
with a people that are willing to take the scrip- 
tures for their only rule. In October, 1813, I 
was received into fellowship by the Church of 
God in Middleborough, Massachusetts, 



47 



CHAPTER II. 

In this Chapter, I shall endeavour to in- 
form my reader of the many impressions that 
I have had on my mind, about preaching the 
Gospel of Jesus Christ to a perishing world; 
and of the success in my first improvements. 
Having related in the former part, how, that in 
the spring I was eleven years old, it pleased 
God to impress my mind with a solemn sense 
of eternal things ; and I now believe at that 
time he forgave my sins ; but on account of 
my disobedience, he did not see fit to give me 
a sealing evidence of it. 

In the summer following, my mind was im- 
pressed a number of times, that in some future 
period I should have to range the wude world, 
and preach the gospel. And amidst all of my 
careers in sin and folly, I often had solemn im- 
pressions of this kind. One in particular, I 
well remember in the fall of 1810, when living 
in the state of New-Jersey. Ezra Halsey and 
myself were sent for to attend a party in a 
neighbouring town ; and while riding to the 
place of recreation, the sun began to disappear 
beyond the western hills, and the decorated 
heaven seemed to wear an agreeable smile,- 
while the earth was covered with verdure, and 
the air perfumed vvith the ripe fruit of autumn. 
My mind was attracted with the beauty of the 
scene, and I began solemnly to reflect on my sit- 
uation, and that of my fellow creatures, who, 



48 

with me, were engaged in sin. Immediately 
it came with great solemnity, that in some fu- 
ture period, I had got to forsake all, and range i| 
the world and preach the gospel. Then my 
thoughts were, if God wouid forgive my sins, 
and commit a dispensation of the gospel unto 
me, cheerfully I would go, and preach the un- 
searchable riches of Christ, to a world lying in 
wickedness. But when I came to reflect on 
my misspent life, it caused me to weep as I 
passed along the road; and notwithstanding 
this great visitation of God's spirit on my mind, 
I turned a deaf ear to his call, and still went on 
in sin as before. 

Soon after I had experienced a sealing man- 
ifestation of my sins forgiven, this question 
cam.e to my mind : Are you now willing to go 
and preach lo your fellow creaturej: ? My .ui- 
swer wns. yes, Lord. I f^m. At this time I 
did not realize, os 1 have since done, the im- 
port? nee of the work ; but felt willing to obey 
the Lord, according to the best of my abili- 
ties ; believing th it the Lord would enable me 
to do all that he required of me. 

Soon 3fter this, I he;:\rd there wns a refor- 
ni'iticn began in Middleborough, at a place 
called Wrippanucket; I went there, and O, 
how was my heart rejoiced to find some th?it 
h^d 1 :)tely experienced religion. I often met 
with them, raid ei joyed great h -ppiness in i^m- 
proving my little gift p-mong them in pr .yer 
and exhortation. The reformation w;^s among 
the Baptists and Presbyterians — but Ihe name 
was nothing to me, my heart and the young 



49 

converts was united as the heart of one man ; 
and we enjoyed the unity of the spirit in the 
bond of peace, until some of the old professors 
began to tell them that I was a Smidiitc, (for 
so they were pleased to call me,) that they 
ought to be cautious of me, for I held to bad 
principles. This caused me some very se- 
vere tri lis ; but my trust was in God. 

About the first of December, I went into the 
lower p irt of D ^rtmouth, to a place colled 
Smith's neck, by the sea side, and engaged to 
keep school three months. I h d not been in 
my school but a few d -ys, before I was great- 
ly distressed in mind, and inquired of the 
Lord why I felt thus troubled ? It was man- 
ifested to me that I hid done wrong in eng:ig- 
ing a school, for the Lord had designed another 
employment for me. Every thing went wrong 
in the srhooi, and I began to conclude that the 
people would turn me away in less than a fort- 
night. In this situation of mind I spent a con- 
siderable part of a night in prayer to God for 
help ; promising him that if he would help me 
through that school, I would then devote my 
time in preaching, if the impression continued 
on my mind." The next day every thing went 
well, and I have no doubt but what I had im- 
mediate assistance from God to help me. 

The nearest meeting held by the Christian 
brethren, was at New-Bedibrd, and I generally 
met with them on Sundays, and enjoyed many 
heavenly seasons. But towards the close of 
my school, was much troubled respecting my 
dutv. O ! how great the v/ork, and how sol- 



50 

emn the undertaking, to he an ambassadour 
for Christ — to range the world and pray men 
to be reconciled to God ! I viewed myself 
to be altogether unqualified for the p'eat em- 
ployment : yea, I thought that I w^as one of 
the most ignorant of all the flock of God, and 
began to conclude that all of the impressions 
that I ever had felt about preaching, was from 
satan; and while viewing my insufficiency, 
my mind sunk for a number of days, so that 
I was ready to say with Jonah, " it is better 
for me to die than to live." 

One morning, while going to my school, my 
mind greatly distressed, I walked slowly' 
along, saw that the warming beams of the sun 
had melted away the frost on the side of an 
hill, I stopped, and looked at it with tears in 
my eyes. At length, lifted up my voice to the 
Lord, and said, O, that I might flee away like 
the morning dew, and never be remembered 
any more. Immediately these words of the 
poet came into my mind : 

*' O, when shall I see Jesus, 

And reign with him above ; 
And from liiat flowing fountain, 

Drink everlasting love. 
When shall [ he deliver'd 

From this vain world of sin, 
And with my blessed Jesus 

Drink endless pleasures in ? 

But now I am a soldier. 

My Captain's gone before, 
lie's given me my orders. 

And bid me not give o'er - 



51 

If 1 continue faithful, 

A righteous crown he'll give, 
And all his valiant soldiers 

Eternal life shall have." 

When I had repeated these lines, the love 
of God again [lowed into my heart ; and I felt 
a greater determination to serve God, at the 
loss of all things, than I ever did before. I 
was satisfied that God is not a hard master, 
and that he requires no impossibilities of his 
creatures ; and if he called me to preach, he 
would open my w ay, and qualify me for the 
important work. I did not know where I 
should go after my school should end ; but I 
felt to commit all to the Lord, believing that 
had he any work for me to do in his harvest, 
that he would direct me where to go. Soon 
after this, my mind was sweetly drawn across 
the river, east of New-Bedford, and it seemed 
a light shined in that direction. The week 
following, I heard there was a reformation be- 
gan in the town of Fair-Haven, in a neigh- 
bourhood called Nasquetucket, under the 
preaching of brother William Whitten, of 
New-Bedford. In the same direction the 
light had appeared to me. The Saturday 
evening after I heard the news, I attended a 
meeting with brother Whitten in the neigh- 
bourhood ; and O, how my heart was animat- 
ed to see and hear some that had lately been 
translated into the Kingdom of God's dear 
Son. 

The next week my school ended ; I still 
d had impressions on my mind, that it was God's 



52 

will I should preach : — but when I consider- 
ed my abilities, many times ! doubted wheth- 
er God would ever call so ignorant a creature 
as 1 was, to so great a w ork. But I found all 
the excuses that I made, did not remove the 
impressions from my mind ; 1 knew of no oth- 
er way to determine the doubtful case, but to 
go forward, and improve my gift. I came to 
this conclusion, that I would hold meetings 
wdierever the Lord should open the way, for 
six months, believing that I should then know 
more plainly what my duty was. There was 
about thirty hopefully converted in Nasque- 
tucket. In the month of iMay, brother Whit- 
ten moved his family into the western part of 
the state of New -York. I often met with the 
brethren that he left, and improved my gifts 
in prayer and exhortation, and many times en- 
joyed great freedom of mind ; yet, at other 
times, had great trials. One in particular, I 
will mention. 

About the first of June, such a fear of death 
came upon me for four days, as I never felt 
before nor since. I besouoht God verv earn- 
estly that he would deliver me from it. One 
day, while in the woods crying to God for 
help, this passage of scripture with power 
came into my mind : " Who in the days of his 
ilesh, when he had offered up prayers, and 
supplications, with strong crying and tears, 
unto him that was able to save him from death, 
and was heard in that he feared." Hebrews 
5, 7. O ! thought I, if the Son of God feared 
death so much as to cause him to cry, and to 



53 

pray, no wonder that his disciples should also 
fear; and if God delivered him, he also will 
deliver me. In a moment the fear of death 
was gone, and I rejoiced again in God, who 
delivered me from so great fear. 

About the first of July, was invited to hold 
meetings at the Baptist new meeting-house, 
(so called) in Rochester. I met with the 
brethren ; yet, at that time, had not confidence 
enough to go into the pulpit, nor into the 
Deacon's seat, but improved my gifts in pray- 
er and exhortation, according to the best of 
my abilities; — nor as yet had pretended to 
appoint any meeting to preach, any more 
than by exhortation ; but appointed prayer 
meetings wherever the doors were opened, 
and with the brethren at the meeting-house— 
and soon had the happiness of seeing a re- 
vival among the brethren, and a great solem- 
nity on the minds of the unconverted youth. 
One evening I was requested to appoint a 
prayer meeting at a Presbyterian sister's, 
about two miles from the meeting-house ; — 
brother John Wedon attended with me. It 
was late before we set out on our way, and 
while going to our appointment, these words 
frequently came to my mind : " Fear not, I 
am with you," which greatly animated my 
soul to go forward, trusting in the Lord. 

When we entered the house, a solemn sense 
of the situation poor sinners were in, living 
unreconciled to God, caused my heart to 
groan within me, when casting my eyes around 

on the assembly. I prayed, then attempted 

5 # ' . 



54 

to deliver an exhortation ; but my mind was 
so distressed to think of the awful situation 
of the wicked, that I soon sat down. We had 
a solemn silence for a few moments, then I 
arose and went through the assembly, and 
inquired of each one whether they had an 
interest in the I ord Jesus Christ? If they 
said they had, I exhorted them to be more 
faithful ; if they said they had not, I told them 
individually the danger they were in^ while 
living without God in the world. This was a 
great cross, but was determined to clear my- 
self from the blood of all men. When begin- 
ning to make the solemn inquiry, the tears 
flowed freely from my eyes, and I spoke to 
several that had a hope in Christ. Then 
came to a young woman, and asked her if she 
had any part in Christ ? She arose, and an- 
swered, I have not. Did you ever feel the 
need of religion ? She said she had. How 
long since you felt a particular desire for it ? 
She said, since I came into the meeting, for 
when you began to pray, my mind was struck 
with great solemnity, and thought it was ne- 
cessary for me to have religion. This was so 
singular to me at that time, that I doubted 
her sincerity ; and asked her if f«he was wil- 
ling to kneel down before God, and that as- 
sembly, and pray for her salvation.'^ She 
said that she was willing to kneel, if I would 
pray for her. I then kneeled and prayed, 
and the weight on my mind left me. Some 
of the youth were so afraid, that they went 
into the porch, others out at the door, and so 



55 

the meeting ended. The young woman went 
home much distressed in mind. Tlmt night 
I stayed at the house where the meeting was 
held ; and while sleeping there, had the fol- 
lowing dream : — 

I dreamed, that being on a long journey to 
the west, and calling at a house, found a num- 
ber of people were collected in a large room, 
and some in a bed-room adjoining, who w^ere 
weeping very bitterly ; went up to the door, 
and saw a young woman lying on a bed in the 
agonies of death, calling to her father, and 
saying, father, I am dying, and I want you to 
promise you will not suffer me to be buried, 
nor removed from hence, for three days, for 
I shall then live again. He promised he 
would not suffer her to be removed ; then she 
closed her eyes in death. A few moments 
after, her father directed a young man to go 
to a carpenter, and ask him to make a coffin 
for her. With much earnestness I then spoke 
to the father. Sir, did you not promise that 
you would not suffer your daughter to be re- 
moved for three days ? He answered, yes, 
but she was not in her right mind, and I there- 
fore made the promise to compose her. I be- 
lieved she was in her right mind, and there- 
fore tried to persuade her father not to re- 
move her, but to no effect, until I told him 
that I was on a long journey, yet would tarry 
the three days and watch with her, if they 
would let her remain, to which they assented. 
I took a chair, sat down in the bed-room the 
three days and nights, without rising out of it. 



56 

The sun was about an hour high at night when 
she died. Many people having heard what had 
taken place, came to see and to know whe- 
ther she would come to life. On the third 
day after her death, several persons came in- 
to the room and looked around, and when 
they saw no alteration in her, they went out 
of the room, and, with a sneer, said one to 
another, this fellow is a false prophet. Not a 
word by me, as yet, had been spoke'n, and I 
now thought that 1 would not sit and hear 
their scoffs, and arose in order to go out of 
the door ; but coming into the square room, 
among the midst of them, my heart was so 
grieved for their unbelief, I fell on my knees 
and prayed to God to raise her to life again. 
While in prayer, I saw her spirit returning 
from heaven, and the sight so frightened me, 
that it stopped my prayer, and I told them 
that she is come to life ; a woman then step- 
ped to the bed-room door to see ; she started 
back, being frightened, and said that she had 
opened her eyes. I told the woman that she 
would not hurt her. I then went to the bed, 
took the young woman by the hand ; she 
arose and stepped on to the floor, and to my 
great surprise, she was immediately changed 
into an immortal being ! Then fearing to 
speak to her, thought that I would watch her 
as Elisha did Elijah, to see when she ascend- 
ed to heaven. She then spoke, and said, that 
for my sake she would tarry a little while, 
and bid me go out and invite all the people 
to come and see for themselves. I went and 



' 57 

invited many, and soon returned. Her hair 
had become >vhite as the pure wool ; her robe 
was whiter than sno\v ; and her feet, hands and 
face, was exceeding white, and as clear as a 
piece of pure glass. While beholding her, my 
soul was animated with the love of God, and 
began to exhort the people to believe on the 
Lord Jesus Christ. Then I awoke, and be- 
hold it was a dream* 

I will now return to the 'ounsr woman who 
was pricked in the heart in the evening meet- 
ii'g. She was brought into the liberty of the 
sons of God, on the third day after she was 
awakened. Soon after, an appointment was 
made by a man to preach at the new meeting- 
house in Rochester, on Sunday. He had 
preached occasionally for several years, but 
was too much entangled with the affairs of this 
life to enjoy much of the divine presence in 
preaching. I attended the meeting with him ; 
he was very anxious for me to take a seat with 
him in the pulpit ; through his anxiety I con- 
sented, and was the first time that ever I enter- 
ed the pulpit. After prayer, he read a passage 
of scripture, but did not proceed half through 
his subject before he stopped and told the peo- 
ple diat he could not preach This was a trv- 
ing time to me, for I thought that if a man of 
his abilities and understanding of the scrip- 
tures was confounded before the people, that I 
should also be confounded, should I attempt to 
read any particular passage and expound it. 
The brethren were very anxious for me to 
come and meet with them the Sunday after. 



SB 

To go back, would be death ; and to go for- 
ward, I could but die. Therefore I agreed to 
attend a meeting there the next first d ty. The 
time having arrived for my appointment, I 
found a larger collection than usual ; went into 
the pulpit, and for the first time read a pissage 
of scripture, and offered my thoughts upon it. 
The passage I read is in Isaiah, 62, 12. The 
Lord gave me much freedom in speaking, and 
from that time thii reformation began to ap- 
pear, and it spread to the joy of a great many, 
and was the first reformation that the Lord QV- 
er made me instrumental of beginning. 

I enjoyed great freedom of mind in speaking 
to this people from time to time, until a num- 
ber were converted to God, and others seeking 
Jesus sorrowing. Now I began to look at my 
own weakness, and to seek for some preacher 
to help me, instead of looking to the Lord and 
trusting in him for strength. From th.t time, 
I lost that sweet enjoyment of that peace and 
love of God from my heart. And the Lord 
was pleased to carry on his glorious work 
among the people by other instruments, while 
I was left to cry out, *' O, my leanness, my 
leanness." I could not feel to rejoice but very 
little in the reformation for several months. 
In November, went a little journey to Coven- 
try, in the state of Rhode- Island, to visit my 
brethren there, hoping to find some relief to 
my mind. Was kindly received by the breth- 
ren, held two meetings with them, and enjoyed 
some freedom of mind. The next morning 
after attending my second meeting, I awoke 



59 

very early, was so distressed in mind that I 
groaned aloud, and thought that I could not 
live but a short time. Immediately I arose 
and fell on my knees to pray, and called on the 
Lord for help, and inquired of him why I v/as 
so distressed ? While crying before the Lord, 
a solemn impression came into my mind, to 
arise and go to the lower part of Rochester, in 
Massachusetts, called Pine Island, and there 
preach Christ to the people. Then I prayed 
to God, if the impression v/as from him, that 
he would increase it ; and if the impression 
was not from him, that he would remove it 
from me. The impression increased, so I 
feared if I disobeyed, the Lord would destroy 
me ; and at eleven o'clock the same day, took 
my staff and set out for to return to Rochester 
again ; and so soon as I began my return, the 
peace of God began to flow into my heart. 

Saturday, the second day after leaving Cov- 
entry, in Rhode- Island, I arrived at my sister's 
in Rainham, and on Sunday morning went to 
Dartmouth. But, O, the distress that was on 
my mind cannot be described. On my way, 
while travelling through a piece of vv^oods, 
found myself out of the road among the bush- 
es, which wav to rind the road I knew not, it 
rained hard, and I sat down and wept, and 
prayed to the Lord to take me out of the world, 
for then 1 thought it would be better for me to 
die, than to live. While I sat weeping, a 
voice bid me arise and go on my journey., 
Then said I, Lord I am lost, and know not 
whicli v/ay to go. The voice bid me look up ; 



60 

I looked up and saw the road in sight, and then 
went on m}^ way ag\nn. Though it rained 
hard through the day, I did not stop at any 
house, for 1 was so distressed in mirid that I 
did not want to see any mortal on e/;rth 

Tuesday mornhig felt a Httle more composed, 
went into the neighbourhood of Pine- Lrilai.d, 
and got a place for a meeting tliat night. A 
number of people came out to hear niv mes- 
sa2:e from the Lord; heiT I held a. number of 
meetings, and Gud soon began his gracious 
work among them. On ntw ytrar's day, 1815, 
a largt r assembly attends d than usu:<l 1 spoke 
from Hebrews 12, 1., While speaking, God 
caused a great shaking among the dry bones ; 
many viewed the necessity of *' breaking off 
their sins by righteousness, and their iniquities 
by turning unto the Lord." When I had done 
preaching, I requested all those who wanted 
the prayers of the saints, to manifest it by ris- 
ing up ; about forty arose ; and when I s; w so 
many rise, my faith failed, and I began again 
to pray to God to send some preacher that had 
more experience to take hold in this great 
work ; and when I began to seek after some 
minister to come and preach, I felt my spiritual 
strength to fail. 

For the greatest part of six months after I 
was in great distress of soul, and often prom- 
ised the Lord if he woidd make me again an 
instrument of another reformation, I would at- 
tend to my own duty, and let oiher persons attend 
to cheirs. Mv Bible and Concordance were 
my constant companions ; I spent much of my 



61 

time in the barns, fields, and groves, reading 
and praymg to God Some of my brethren 
at that time feared that I should become in- 
sane, and advised me to give over the idea of 
preaching, for they believed I was deceived. 
** Miserable comforters were all of these." 
But Elders Daniel Hix, Benjamin Taylor, and 
brother VV illiam Whitten were nursing fath- 
ers to me, and m.iy God. reward them ten 
thousand per cent, in this world, and life ever- 
lasting in the world to come. But, amidst all 
my trials, I felt that the Lord would deliver me 
again 

About the first of Muy following, I began to 
have a different exercise of mind from what I 
ever before had ; for, whenever my eyes were 
closed, to pray in secret, then a vast plain 
seemed to spread itself before me on every 
side ; yet I could not see any city, village, 
house, tree, or shrub, in any direction ; the 
sun appeared to be pouring forth its scorching 
rays upon this dreary desert. When on my 
knees, I often prayed to God to shew me some 
city, or vilLnge, like Zoar, that I might flee to, 
and not perish on these plains. Thus was my 
mind exercised for about two months. To- 
wards the last of June, while attendina: a meet- 
mg on Sunday evening, with my brethren in 
New- Bedford, I was greatly distressed in mind, 
and the next morning set out for brother John 
Gillatt's in Nasquetucket ; and while on the 
way, all creation looked a^ gloomy as the house 
oT death ; as 1 drew near his house, I turned 
aside into a piece of woods to pray. As I 
6 



62 

closed my eyes in prayer, viewed myself in the 
midst of the plain before described, and had not 
prayed long, when, on a sudden, there was a 
be iutiful village that arose up on the plain, at 
a distance, and immediately the appearance of 
water streamed from the sky upon it, like a 
shower of rain. After the rain, a bright cloud 
descended and covered the whole village. The 
love of God then flowed into my heart, and I 
felt to praise him that he had shewn me a place 
where he was about to revive his work. The 
direction the village appeared to be in, from 
me, I knew, but could not tell the distance. 
B} what I had seen, was persuaded if it was 
from the Lord, he would direct me in the way, 
and if I was obedient, should find it. Then I 
arose and went to brother Gillatt's house. But 
before 1 arrived there, my solemn, gloomy 
feelings, returned again ; and I began to con- 
clude all that I had seen was enthusiasm, and 
now feared that God would give me over to 
insanity. 

As the sun was sitting, the account given of 
Abraham, in Genesis 19, 27, 28, came to my 
mind, and I thought that I would arise and go 
down to the beach of the sea, which was near, 
and sit my face towards the west, in the same 
direction that I savi^ the village, covered with 
the glory of God, and pray. For I did be- 
lieve, if what I had seen was from God, he 
would give a discovery of the same things 
again. Accordingly, I went, and as I began 
to pray, vi' wed myself, as before, in the midst 
of a vast plain ; and soon the village arose up- 



63 

On it ; the glory of God, like an exceeding 
white cloud, followed the rain, and covered it 
from my sight. I now was more convinced 
that this was from God ; and the next day be- 
gan my preparations to go in search of the 
place. 

Wednesday morning I again began to fear 
that these things were only imaginations, and 
went into the adjoining wood, and prayed to 
God that if they were from him, to condescend 
to give me one more view of them, and I would 
be satisfied. And the third time in prayer, I 
had a clear view of those things again. On 
Thursday morning set out on my way, with- 
out telling any person what I had seen, to find 
the place that God had shewn me. But, O ! 
the distress of mind, when on my v/ay to 
Asonet, cannot be described. The weather 
was very hot, and it seemed that the devils, 
with all their hellish host, were engaged with 
their fiery darts to hinder me ; my mind was 
in complete darkness, and it seemed that I 
could not raise one desire from the heart, to 
God for help. I sat down a number of times 
on my way, and wept before the Lord I ar- 
rived at brother Ebenezer Pierce's, in Ason- 
et, about twelve o'clock ; but founxl no peace 
to my troubled mind, and now concluded I 
had been altogether deceived, and where to go 
I did not know. 

In the evening went into a grove to pray, 
to beseech God to save me from delusion and 
insanity. As I began to pray, in the same di- 
rection saw the village, and the glory that was 



64 

shewn to me before ; then the love of God 
again filled my heart. The next morning 
arose, and went to sister Hannah Burt's, in 
Berkley, but found no ease to my restless 
mind. While sitting here, I put my face be- 
tween my hands, and my hands between my 
knees, and secretly prayed to God to direct me 
where to go ; and felt my mind impressed to 
go to my uncle Stephen Hathaway 's, on the 
west side of Taunton river. Immediately I 
^vent down, crossed the river, and went to my 
uncle's. As I entered his house, my cousin 
met me, and exclaimed, brother Levi, I am 
glad to see you, fear not, for the Lord has sent 
you here. To know what this salutation should 
mean, I fell on my knees to pray ; and as soon 
as I began, my heart was filled with the love of 
God, and the same glory that I saw descend 
upon the village, which appeared to me when 
in Fairhaven, now shone all around me. 

On the line between the towTis of Welling, 
ton and Taunton, near^ where my uncle resides, 
are two large Cotton Factories, and a new, 
beautiful village. I was now satisfied I had 
found the place the Lord had shewn me, wlwn 
about thirty miles from it. I gave out an ap- 
pointment to preach in a large school-house, 
near the village, the Sunday following ; a num- 
ber of people came out to hear. I preached 
first from Leviticus, 25, 10 : *^ And ye shall 
hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim' liberty 
thro\ighout all the land, unto all the inhabitants 
thereof; it shall be a jubilee unto you ; and ye 
shall return every man unto his possession, and 



65 

ye shall return every man unto his family.'^ 
My heart was filled with the love of God while 
speaking; and being strong in the faith, told 
the people that God was about to revive his 
work in that place, and then for the first time 
I related to the peoj)le how that I had seen the 
glory of God dei-cend upon that village. Some 
of them were solemn, while others made light 
of it ; saying, we will wait and see if his proph- 
ecy comes to pass. At a few of the first meet- 
iiTgs most of the people were very attentive, 
and some of the youth appeared to realize the 
necessitv of salvation. But soon after, there 
were but few that attended, and the solemnity 
appeared to leave their minds- This brought 
my mind mto a great trial again. But I went 
to God in secret, and besought him Ycry ear- 
nestly to shew me whether I was deceived or 
not. — And I had an answer that God would 
revive his work in that place in less than two 
months. 

This satisfied my mind, although the out- 
ward appearance was less and less every meet- 
ing for some time. But in about six weeks af- 
ter, God layed too his helping hand, and there 
was a crying out, all through the neighbour^ 
hood, among old and young, saying, what must 
we do to be saved ? And in about three months 
after the reformation began, more than one 
hundred souls were hopefully converted to 
God in that place. 

Soon after I began to preach in Wellington, 
felt my mind solemnly impressed to go into my 
native neighbourhood, and preach Christ to 



66 

the people there. This was a great cross, be- 
lieving that a '* prophet is not without honour 
save in his own country." But I obeyed the 
heavenly impression, and thanks be to God, 
soon had the happiness of seeing a number of 
my relations and acquaintance happy in him. 

The last day of September, and the first day 
of October, the same year, I attended a general 
meeting at Asonet. On Monday morning, the 
Elders and brethren met, to converse on things 
relative to the order of the house of God. In 
this conference, it was proposed by the Elders 
present, that there should be a general Confer- 
ence appointed-j for as many of the Elders and 
brethren from the different states to attend as 
could. The object of this Conference was to 
gain a more perfect understanding of the rule 
given by Christ, and his Apostles. It was then 
agreed upon, and appointed to be holden in 
Windham, in Connecticut ; to commence on 
Tuesday the eleventh day of June, 1816 ; to 
continue until Friday night ; and the Saturday 
and Sunday following, to be spent in preach- 
ing, exhortation, &c. We there had a precious 
time in prayer, parted in peace, hoping to meet 
again in a better world. 

Not long after this, while the reformation in 
Wellington and Middleborough continued to 
spread, the Elders and Churches in that re- 
gion, believed it to be their duty to ordain me 
to the work whereunto they believed the Holy 
Ghost had called me. This brought a new 
trial on my mind, for I viewed myself the most 
unfit person of any that was ever ordained. 



67 

However, they appointed a meeting in Asson- 
net, in Freetown, for that purpose, the twenty- 
first clay of December, 1815 ; and 1 was 
then ordained by fisting, prayer, and laying 
on of hands. The Elders that attended, 
were Daniel Hix, Philip Hathaway, Benjamin 
Taylor, and Asa Foster. The Sunday follow- 
ing, I baptized a sister Cobb of Wellington, 
This was the greatest cross I ever felt. The 
next Sunday following, baptized nine more at 
the same place ; this was a joyful day to my 
soul. About the middle of January, on Sun- 
day evening, l)eing at brother Maker's in Taun- 
ton, while sitting by the fire hearing my breth- 
, ren talk of the goodness of God, I perceived a 
light on a sudden to shine from a north- west 
direction, and immediately my mind was drawn 
as it were by cords of love that way. I told 
the brethren that were present, that God was 
about to revive his work in that direction. 
Brother Barnabas White said, that his father 
lived in Mansfield, which was about twelve 
miles on the same course, and if I would at= 
tend a meeting there, he would go with me<. 
I then appointed to go the next Saturday, and 
to hold a meeting at his father's on Sunday. 
That week attended a few meetings which had 
been previously appointed, and on Saturday 
came to Taunton, and with brother White 
went to Mansfield. 

We arrived at his father's in the evening ; 
the family appeared to be glad that we had 
come to hold a meeting with them. That 
evening, while praying in tlie family, my heart 



G8 

vvas enlarged ; the glory of God seemed to shine 
all around ; and it appeared that I vvas in a 
field all white, ready for harvest. The next 
day a number of people attended the meeting, 
and, while speaking to them, felt myself to be 
on holy ground, and the word of the Lord 
seemed to drop upon them. At the close of 
the meeting, I proposed to the people, if there 
were any present that felt the need of salvation, 
and would manifest it by giving me their hand, 
I would pray for them. A young woman 
came weeping, trembling, and gave me her 
hand. While in prayer, my mind was im- 
pressed there vvas a young man in the assem- 
bly, that wanted to come forward, but the pride 
of his heart would not let him. I then prayed 
out the ieelings of my mind, and cried very 
earnestly to God to have mercy on him, not 
knowing vv^ho it was : — but as soon as I had 
done praying, the young woman's brother came 
in a flood of tears, and declared he was the one 
that I had been praying for, and hoped that I 
would continue to pray for him ; for, said he, 
I need the prayers of all God's children. The 
people being anxious to hear again of this mat- 
ter, I then appointed another meeting the next 
week, on Tuesday evening ; and when I ar- 
rived to my second appointment, found a lar- 
ger number had come out to hear the stranger. 
O ! what desires I had, that poor sinners might 
come to the knowledge of the truth, and be 
saved. When preaching w^as over, the young 
man that desired prayers at the first meeting, 
arose and told the people what great things the 



6^ 

Lord had done for him. In a few days after, 
his sister, who first desired prayers, dechired, 
that she had *' found him, of whom Moses in 
the Law and the Prophets did write, Jesus of 
Nazareth, the Son of Joseph.'' From this time 
the glorious work of God spread to the joy of 
many parents and children in that phice. I 
baptized twenty-seven the winter and spring 
after I was ordained, and about one hundred 
and fifty were baptized by other preachers in 
the towns where I laboured. 



CHAPTER IIL 

The first of June, 1816, believing my work 
was about done in Massachusetts, and my mind 
being sweetly drawn to Connecticut. Accord- 
ingly, took leave of my brethren in the dif- 
ferent towns where I had preached the winter 
past, then commenced my journey for Wind- 
ham, in Connecticut, to attend the general 
Conference to be holden there. Came to Provi- 
dence, where I saw Elder Asa Foster, who 
gave me an invitation to ride with him. On 
Thursday, the 6th of June, we journied to Cov- 
entry, in Rhode- Island. On Friday and Sat- 
urday we attended meetings with the brethren 
there ; in the afternoon, on Saturday, a number 
of preachers arrived from the eastern states. 
On Sunday, the 9th, we held a meeting with a 



70 

large concourse of people on Sterling hill, in 
the edge of C onnecticut. The Bc>ptist Church 
in that place would not occupy their meeting- 
house themselves, nor let us ; but the Lord 
gave us pieasant weather; we gathered the 
people on the green, at the east end of the 
meeting-house ; two waggons served as puU 
pits for the preachers, while the people sat 
down on the grass, as they did in ancient 
times. 

Elder Joseph Badger, from New- Hampshire, 
preached in the forenoon ; Elder Mark Fer- 
iiold, from the province of Maine, in the after- 
noon. — After which, Joshua Perkins and Na- 
than Burlingamc, were set a part to the work of 
the ministry, by prayer and laying on of hands. 
Monday, the 10th, we attended a meeting in 
Canterbury in the forenoon, and in the after- 
noon journied to Windham, where we met 
several preachers from the west and north, and 
heard i.lder Plummer, from Philadelphia, 
preach in the Presbyterian meeting-house. 
Tuesday, the 11th, met in Conference; the 
respectable people of Windham gave us the 
use of a large Free-mason's hall, to hold our 
Conference in. We were disappointed there 
was not a more general attendance among the 
preachers. There was but twenty Elders that 
attended. Many important subjects were ta- 
ken up, and conversed upon in the spirit of 
love, which made it a very agreeable and prof- 
itable conference. There was preaching at the 
meeting-house every afternoon except Friday. 
Saturday, the 15th, we held our meeting at the 



71 

iiieeting-hoiise on the green, and on Sunday 
morning the 16th, in a grove about two miles 
from the village ; the weather was clear, and 
several thousands of people attended. 

Elder Jones preached from the parable of 
the supper, in the 14th chapter of Luke, from 
the 1 6th to the 24th verses. With great free- 
dom and beauty, he described the glorious 
feast of fat things, that God has prepared for 
all people. Klder Plummer delivered an af- 
fecting discoiu'se immediately alter. In the 
afternoon. Elder Smith delivered u very great 
discourse from Acts 3. 22, 23 : — after which, 
Elder Mark Fernold gave the most solemn ex- 
hortation that I ever heard ; and many, no 
doubt, that attended that meeting, will bless 
God in eternity, that they ever heard the sound 
oi his voice. 

Thus ended a meeting that will be hiid long in 
remembrance by many thousands of people. El- 
der Plummer concltided to tarry in Windham 
for a while, and preach at the grove where we 
held the meeting on Sunday, and at the meet- 
mg house and lourt-house on the green. El- 
der Douglass Farnam had an invitation to 
preach in the north-west corner of Windham, 
about four miles from the green ; iand Elder 
Burk went into Lebanon, about eight miles 
west of Windham. In all these places a very 
glorious reformation immediately began. I 
had mtich satisfaction in attending the general 
meeting, but when it was over, no one had in- 
vited me to their house, nor asked nie to preach; 
therefore knew not where to go ; yet still be- 



72 

iieved, that when I was in Massachusetts, the 
Lord moved upon my mmd to come to Con- 
necticut, but now saw no door opened, t Ider 
King, from the state of New York, was there 
with a carriage, who invited me to go home 
with him. Not knowing of any chance to 
preach in Connecticut, I concluded to accept 
oi this invKation. But he must first go to Cuni- 
berL-nd, in Rhode- Lia ad, which was very con- 
venient for me, for I had to go back to Taun- 
ton after more clothes. Tuesday, we rode to 
Providence ; there parted, and agrf^d to meet 
there agv.m on Thursday evening. I went to 
Taunton, got my cioihes. and, agrecali'e to ap- 
pointment, met him on Thursday in Provi- 
dence. 

Friday the 21st, we rode to Coventry, where 
brother King had :in apjiomtnient. After we 
left Providence, with a calculation to go to the 
state of New-Yoik. great darkness came upon 
my mind. When we arrived at the meeting- 
house in Coventry, I was so distressed in mind 
that I could not enjoy any of the meeting ; and 
before it was half out, went into the woods to 
cry to God to m ke known to me my duty, 
and direct me where to go, but found no re>. 
lief. Saturday the 22d, we journied on to Elder 
J >mes Burnam's, in Hampton, which is about 
eight miles north cost from Windham, where 
brother King's appointment was at two o'clock 
th Jt afternoon. While on our way to Hamp- 
ton, I told brother King that I hsd no draw- 
ings in my mind to go back to Massachusetts ; 
neither did I feel any peace to go with him ; 



73 

but had concluded to pray to God for direc- 
tion, and to go on with him until the spirit of 
the Lord shall direct otherwise. When I 
came in sight of the hill where Elder Burnam 
lives, the peace of God flowed into my mind 
for a few moments : — 1 then told brother King 
I should be glad to have a meeting-house to 
preach in on that hill ; but in a few moments 
my oiiiid w^as again in great distress. We ar- 
rived at the meeting house, and there found a 
number of people collected to hear the new 
preachers. Brother King preached ; but I 
W..S so distressed in mind, that I had rather 
been in the woods alone, than at the meeting:. 
At the close of the sermon, felt a moving on 
ray mind to speak ; 1 had not spoken but a 
few words, before my heart began to melt in- 
to tenderness, and to feel a love for the peo- 
ple. At the close of the meeting. Elder Bur- 
nam and several of the brethren, invited me 
to stay and preach with them the next day ; 
believing this to be from the Lord, did not 
dare to refuse their invitation. 

While goiiig from the meeting to Elder 
Burnam's, 1 felt such distress of soul for sin- 
ners, as I had never felt before. Could hard- 
ly refrain from crying aloud, as f walked along 
the road ; so soon as I entered the house, 
asked the Elder if 1 should make his house 
my home ? He, not hearing me, his wife an- 
swered, she W'ished I would. Then walking 
across the room to a chair, kneeled, and cried 
aloud to God, to have mercy on poor perish- 
mg sinners in that place. The Lord waB 
T 



?4 

pleased, afterwarcls, to give me two of the 
Elders children to praise his great name. 

That evening, while at supper, a number of 
respectable youth in the neighbourhood, came 
to the Elder's, to see the preachers, and to 
sing hymns ; they collected in the front room. 
O, how solemn was my heart, when I heard 
the sound of their voices, fearing that they 
did not "' sing with the spirit and with the 
understanding also." 1. Corinthians, 14, 15, 
After supper, felt constrained to go into the 
room where they were singing, to tell them 
the beauty and blessings that there is in Christ« 
I never had such strong desires for any young 
people, that they might become acquainted 
with God, as 1 had for these : — And blessed 
be the Lord, I soon had the happiness of 
hearing the greater part of them declare what 
great things the ! ord had done for their souls, 

Sunday morning, the 23d, brother King 
went to his appointment in Windham ; I tar- 
ried, and preached twice at the Burnam 
meeting-house. The Lord caused a solemn 
sense of eternal things to rest on the minds of 
the people ; and 1 had an evidence that God 
was about to revive his w ork in that place j 
and that it was my duty to tarry there for a 
season. 

That evening went to Windham ; and on 
Monday morning took leave of brother King 
and returned to Hampton. While on my 
way from Windham to Hampton, my mind 
was very solemn, and I earnestly besought 
God that I might see a revival of religion in 



75 

this region. Tuesday the 213th, preached at 
the Burnam meetiiig-housc, and sent an ap- 
pointment to preach on Friday, at four o'clock 
P. M. at the Goshen meeting-house in Hamp^ 
ton. Wednesday, went to the Baptist meet- 
ing-house in the north part of Hampton, and 
heard Elders Jones and Pkimmer preach two 
discourses : God vfas with them. 

Friday the 28th, went to attend my ap- 
pointment at Goshen. O ! wliat darkness and 
distress was on my mind through the fore part 
of tlie day. 1 walked into the woods and 
fields, and cried to God for help ; for " the 
heavens were as iron over my head, and the 
earth as hrass under my feet :" and the pre- 
cious Bible was a sealed book to me. As 
the time appointed for meeting arrived, I con- 
cluded to go a d tell the people that the 
Lord had not given me any thing to say; but 
before I got to the meeting-house, these words 
came with weight to my mifid : " These are 
they that came out of great tribulation, and 
have washed their robes, and made them 
white in the blood of the Lamb." Revela- 
tion 7, 14 After reading this passage, and 
beginning to speak, my mind was so enlarged, 
it seemed that the glory of God filled the 
house. The Lord was pleased to fasten con- 
viction on eighteen souls from that discourse. 

Sunday, June the 30th, preached at the 
Burnam meeting-house, which was a day of 
great trembling among the youth; many of 
whom reflected on their past lives, and wept 
bitterly before the Lord. This day some re- 



, 75 

bembled the day in which the foundation of 
the second Temple was laid. " Many of the 
people wept with a loud voice, and many 
shouted aloud for joy." Ezra 3, 12. Sun- 
day, the 7th of July, preached at Goshen, 
where the youth now began to praise God for 
deliverance ; and on Sunday the 14th, preach- 
ed there again, and a multitude of people had 
come together; so that there was not room 
to seat them in the meeting-house. Tuesday 
the 18th, I baptized seven in the Burnam 
neighbourhood ; this was a time long to be 
remembered by many. 

Sunday, the 21st, preached at Goshen; 
there were several hundreds of people more 
than ^ould sit or stand in the meeting-house. 
Glory to God, this was a wet time. While 
preaching, tears fell like a gentle shower of 
rain! The aged and the youth, tliat were 
w ithout, crowded to every window, with tears 
streaming from their eyes. O, what love I 
felt for this people : " Many could say, we 
never saw it on this wise before." A prayer 
meeting was appointed at the meeting-house 
that evening; a large collection of people at- 
tended ; after praying, and giving a short ex- 
hortation, I sat down. Such an awful sense 
of being in the immediate presence of the 
Almighty Jehovah, I never had before. The 
sighs of many evinced the anguish of their 
hearts, and I told the people, if there were 
any of the unconverted, who felt the need of 
salvation, would come and manifest it by giv- 
ing me their hand, and kneel with me, that J 



77 

would pray for them. About thirty of the mid» 
die- aged and youth came forward, and bowed 
before th<- Lord. I then prayed, but their cries 
soon drowned my voice. I then arose and sat 
on a seat ; but they continued to cry in the lan- 
guage of the distressed tax-gatherer, " God be 
merciful to me a sinner.'' 

Hearing them continue their cries, and call- 
ing to mind the distress I once felt for sin, my 
heart was moved with compassion for them, 
my spirit groaned within me, and I bowed my 
knees once more to pray to God for them. So 
soon as I kneeled, a very dressy young v/oman, 
who sat on a seat near me, cried out with a bit- 
ter cry, and fell to the floor. This was entire- 
ly new to me at that time, and I greatly feared 
she would never revive again, but did not dis- 
cover my fears to the people. She remained 
almost lifeless for nearly three quarters of an 
hour. She then arose and sat upon a seat with- 
out saying a word, and soon her countenance 
began to change to the most heavenly appear- 
ance that I ever saw in any person on earth. — ^ 
This was a most awful and solemn meeting. 

From this time, the reformation went on pow- 
erfully in Hampton, for several months. Foi 
sever.il months in the height of the reforma- 
tion, the Spirit of God would come upon me 
every Sunday morning, to that degree I was so 
weakened, it was with difficulty I could walk 
half a mile without setting down. I generally 
spoke two hours in the forenoon, and two in 
the afternoOii, and then held a pn^yer meeting 
till tv/elve or one o'clock at night : after which 
7* 



- 78 

I would feel strong enough to travel several 
miles. The middle-aged and youth were fre- 
quently heard in the groves and barns, crying- 
out in the language of blind Bartimeus, saying, 
** Jesus, thou son of D.ivid, have mercy oil 
me.'' And blessed be God, he that gave sight 
to the blind man, gave light and salvation to 
them. 

Elder Burnam and the Church where he, 
preached, took hold heart and hand in the re- 
formation, and his house has been a father's 
house to me. In about four months and a half 
I baptized one hundred and eight in Hampton, 
and forty-two others were baptized by Elder 
Burnam and others. 

About the first of September, I received an 
invitation to preach in the Baptist Meeting- 
house, in Westford society, in the town of 
Ashford. Where I went, and soon found there 
w^as a great attention among the people : sin- 
ners began to cry out, what must we do to be 
saved ? The first Tuesday evening in the 
month of October, several of the youth told 
their experiences to the Church, and manifest- 
ed a desire to be baptized by me, so soon as 
there was a convenient opportunity. I then ap- 
pointed the Tuesday following, as a day for 
baptizing at Westford. On Saturday attended 
a meeting in Goshen, preparatory for breaking 
bread for the first time to the new Church in 
that place. Sunday, preached from Jeremiah 
14, 8. '' O, the hope of Israel, the Saviour 
thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou 
be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring 



79 

man that turneth aside to tarry lor a iiiglii r'*^ 
The Lord made us joyful in his house of pray- 
er this day. After preaehini^- we repaired to 
the water and I taptizcd nine ; after a eonve- 
nient time we returned to the meeting-house, 
and broke bread to about two hundred happy 
saints. There were some Baptists, Methodists, 
and Presbyterians, which were willing to lay 
aside their party names, and all came around 
the table of the Lord together ; thanks be to 
God, this was a happy time. 

Monday morning we repaired to the water at 
nine o'clock, and I baptized three more in Go- 
shen. 

On Tuesday, agreeably to my appointment, 
met w^ith the people at Westford, at nine o'clock 
in the morning, and heard experiences until af- 
ternoon ; we then repaired to a certain water, 
where I baptized fifteen. Those three days 
were the happiest days of my life. The greater 
part of the B >ptist Church in Westford, laid 
aside their bars that hindered other denomina- 
tions of Christians from communing with them, 
and I do believe that it is according to scrip- 
ture to commune with all the children of God, 
that are in regular standing. About forty per- 
sons were converted to God in this place, about 
thirty of them were baptized by me, and a 
number more have been baptized since. 

On Sunday, about the first of November, 

after preaching, I went to Deacon Richmond's, 

who lives near to the meeting house : a num- 

-ber of persons from different towns came in, and 

invited me to preach with thena ; buj: I gave 



80 

them no encoiirngement. Afterwards JameST 
Mercy's wife, of Holland, came through the 
crowd, and said that her husband had heard so 
many denied, who asked me to preach with 
them, th a he was unwillins^ to urge me ; but 
s'lid she, we have come ten miles to hear you 
to-d ly, and I am unwilhng to go home, with- 
out asking you to come and preach in our 
house ; while she was speaking, something 
whispered to my mind, go with the woman ; 
therefore I made an appointment to preach at 
their house, and the Lord began a gracious 
work in their family, and about thirty were 
hopefully converted to God in that town. In 
the months of December and January following 
I baptized fifteen in that neighbourhood, and a 
number since. 

From July to January, upwards of four him- 
dred persons were baptized in the county of 
Wmdham, by the Christian preachers. This 
was the most glorious reformation I have ever 
seen. Thot fall and wmter, I formed an agree = 
able acquaintance with brother John Blodget, 
from Chelsea, State of Vermont ; whom the 
Lord had called into the work of the ministry. 

The first of Mirch, 1817, believing my 
work was nearly done in Connecticut, 1 h'^d Q, 
desire to visit my brethren in the city of Phila- 
delphia. Brother Biodget manifested a desire 
to go w^ith me. After taking leave of our dear 
brethren in those rt gions- v/e got ready to de- 
part the last of March. We kft in Hampton, 
two companies of brethren, which contained 
about two hundred, of the most loving, and 



81 



gifted brethren that I ever was acquainted with. 
b ! how hard it was to part with those dear 
children of my Redeemer. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Thuksday, Mjrch 27, 1817, we left broth- 
er Amasa Clark's, in Himpton, (Connecticut,) 
and set out for Philadelphia. We went to 
"Waterford, where Elder Elias Sharp was en- 
gaged in a reformation. Here is a small com- 
pany of brethren, that were converted under the 
preaching of Elder Sharp. We attended two 
meetings with them. Brother Sharp had been 
invited to preach at a place called Oysterponds, 
near the east end of Long- Island, but it being 
inconvenient for him to go there at that time, 
we concluded to delay our journey to the city, 
until we had visited the Island. 

On Monday morning, the 31st, we sailed 
from New-I ondon, and arrived at Oyster- 
ponds, at three o'clock, P. M. We went to 
brother Augustus Griffin's, where we were 
kindly received ; he notified a meeting that 
evening, and a number of people came out 
to hear the strangers. We tarried in this 
place eight days, and held ten meetings: 
some of which were very solemn, particu- 
larly the last. Almost the whole assem- 
bly was melted into tears : I trust we shall 



62 

iiearfrom these meetings vvlien time is no 
more. We held our last meeting on Satur- 
day evening, April the 8th, and at 9 o'clock, 
we went on board of a sloop, bound to New- 
York. The good people of the Island, laded 
us With such things as we needed for the 
journey, and paid our passage ; for which we 
pray the Lord, to reward tfiem. 

Friday morning, the 1 Ith of April, we arri- 
ved at the city of New-York, and tfie next 
morning at ten o'clock, at Philadelphia; 
where we found brother Plummer, and sister 
Catherine, well, and the brethren received us 
with joy. 

Sunday the 13th, held meetings at the 
Court-House, in the city; 1 spoke in the morn- 
ing, brother Blodget in the afternoon, and I 
again m the evening. iMonday the 14th, bro- 
ther Blodget went to Gloucester, a; d Had- 
dontield, in New-Jersey, to visit the brethren 
there, f went with Elder Plummer, a jour- 
ney of about thirty miles, up the Delaware 
River, in Pennsylvania. We attended meet- 
ings in the towns of Bristol, Milford, and At« 
tleborough: brother Plummer had a gocd 
time, but my soul was weighed down under 
severe trials. 

Saturday morning, the 19th, left brother 
Plummer, at Bristol, and returned to the citv; 
arrived there at half past ten, and found bro- 
ther Blodget, waiting for me on the wharf j 
it was truly comforting to me, to meet my 
brother and companion in tribulation once 
more. In the afternoon, brother Blodget re- 



83 

turned to Gloucester, while I tarried to at 
tend meetings in the city. 

Sunday, the 20th, held three meetings at 
the Court-House, and felt my mind revived » 
Monday, the 21st, crossed the river, and went 
down about four miles on the Jersey shore.) 
to Gloucester, and found brother Blodget 
waiting for me, on the bank of the river ; went 
with him to brother Arthur Powell's, where 
were some loving disciples. Brother Powell 
carried us in his wagon to Haddonfield, where 
I preached to a large assembly that evening„ 
While speaking, my mind was enlarged, and 
my heart was drawn out in love to God, and 
the people. O ! the feelings that I had for 
poor sinners. After the meeting, we returii- 
ed to Gloucester, and attended a meeting 
there the next day. Wednesday, the 23d5 
early in the morning, we returned to the city, 
and saw brother Lorenzo Dow ; and when 1 
have seen him, I have Gften thought on the 
w ords of the poet 

Despis'J by man, eslreiji'd by God, 
We are inarching the beavtinly road. 

The wheel of nature seemed to be almost 
i:un down, and probably he will ere long be 
hid in the grave, where the arrows of the 
wicked, will not vex his righteous soul any 
more. O ! happy retre?^t for the righteous ! 
O ! that I may die the death of the righteous, 
and my last end be like his. Lord help me 
to endure unto the end. 

Thursday, the 24th, we v.ent on board of 
♦he steam-boat^ for Bristol, which is situated 



84 

twenty miles up the Delaware River. We 
arrived there at sunset, put up at a tavern 
until meeting time ; for 1 felt, that those who 
had been friends, were now become enemies. 

At the time appointed, we attended mt^et- 
ing, spoke to a number of people that came 
out to hear; had but little freedom of mind. 
At tVe close of the meeting, it rained h rd, 
and those that appeared once to be friends, 
now left us, to seek a shelter w here we could ; 
having a little money, we went to the tavern 
again, feeble in body, and depressed in mirid ; 
got a few mouthfuls of coM victuals. n;tired to 
bed, without scarcely saying a woi d to each 
other. We were strangers in a strange land. 
This was a small trial of our faith. 

L ridny, the 25th, went to Tuilatown. where 
we had an appointment * •' ^iVernoon; we 
stopped at Joshua He' r^ker, near 

the place where thf > be held. 

He and his fam'. - ry kindly, 

A large number oi ^.' ,v^ < Jed, and bro- 

ther Blodget hi^d rnu(;h ^; * ^•in in preacbittg 
to them. We left an appoirJinefst to prench 
there, the Tuesday following. That evening re 
went to our good friend Dr. MiciieFs, in Mil- 
ford, where we attended a meeting : the next 
evening, had a solemn time, and believ^d that 
we shoujdyet see gof d days in the land of the 
living. Sunday, the 27th, we went to Master 
Bayle's, in Attleborough, where we held two 
meetings, and fcit the special presence of the 
Lord. 



8^ 

Monday, the 28th, went to Newtown, where 
we were very kindly entertanied by Dr. Plum- 
ly and wife ; may the Lord reward them a 
hundred fold. We held a meeting that even- 
ing in the Court-house ; ahout four hundred 
people came to hear us ; I gave them a dis- 
course of an hour and a quarter; the power 
of God was in the meeting. Some drunkards 
muttered, while many of the sober people 
wept. 

Tuesday, returned to our appointment, in 
Turlatown, where we found the assembly 
much increased. A great solemnity rested on 
the minds of the people. 

Wednesday morning, returned to the city ; 
in the afternoon crossed the river, to Glouces- 
ter, where we held a meeting in the evening ; 
found tlie ass^embly increa^sed in this place. 
The solemn power of God was felt among the 
saints. 

Thursday, went to our appointment at Had- 
dor>field ; the large school-house could not 
hold the people ; felt to cry aloud and spare 
not; many of the Quakers came and shook 
hands with us, at the close of the meeting, to 
show their fellowship for the discourse, but 
would not answer a word when we spake to 
them about Jesus. 

Friday, May the 2d — I feel that something 
new is about to take place. What is past I 
know ; what is to come I know not : my trust 
is in God. 

8;iturday. went to the citv — I feel tlial trials 
fire near at hand; the last night, waf^ ^^nuch 
8 



8« 

troubled in my sleep. O Lord J let me not 
sink ! 

Sunday, the 4th, felt the necessity of seeking 
to please God, rather than man. Attended 
three meetings at the Court-house. The luke- 
warm professors were somewhat displeased ; 
while those that loved God rejoiced in the 
truth, and sinners wept. 

Monday, went to Glocester, there met witli 
my brother Blodget ; felt that my work is nearly 
done in these regions. I spent die most of that 
evening in the woods, praying to God for di- 
rections. 

Thursday, felt more troubled in mind ; went 
to Haddoniield, and held a meeting in the even- 
ing ; after meeting, felt my mind greatly drawn 
to the State of New- York. O Lord ! let me 
not be deceived ; if it is my duty to go there, 
increase the impression ; and if not, deliver me 
from it. 

Wednesday, held meetings at Newtown and 
Gloucester. The people were tender in both 
places — felt the impression to increase, to arise 
and go to the north. 

Thursday, we held a fellowship meeting, 
with our brethren in the city ; and felt solemn- 
ly to warn my brethren, against many things 
that do not profit, but serve to gender strife and 
separate the sheep and lambs of Christ. O 
when will the children of God be contented 
with " striving against principalities, and pow- 
ers, and wickedness in high places V^ and for 
that faith that works by love and purifies \\v 



87 

heart, which was once delivered unto the 
saints ? 

Sunday the 11th, held a meeting in the 
morning, at Gloucester, and at Haddonfield in 
the afternoon. O ! the stupidity of the peo- 
ple. I bid this congregation farewel, telling 
them that there would not be any sleepy sin- 
ners, when the Son of God shall sit upon the 
great white throne, to judge the world in right- 
eousness. In the evening, returned to Glou- 
cester, and held my last meeting in that place. 
This was a solemn time, and found it hard 
parting from this people. At the close of the 
meeting, three women came trembling, weep- 
ing, and gave me their hand, requesting me to 
pray for them, while preaching through the 
country ; saying, that they were determined to 
pray for themselves. Many others came and 
shook hands, weeping ; but would not promise 
to pray. I expect to meet some from this place 
hereafter, where tears will be wiped from off all 
faces. 

Tuesday evening, held our last meeting in the 
city, at brother Abraham MarshaPs. The Spirit 
of God seemed to comfort every heart. We bid 
our brethren a long farewel, expecting to meet 
^hem again, in the world of glory. 

Wednesday, May the 14th, left the city in 
the morning, for Bristol ; arrived there, at one 
o'clock, p. M. — from thence to Turhitown, 
where we had an appointment that afternoon. 
The assembly here has been increasing ever 
since meetmgs were held in the place. To- 
day, the people appeared to hear, as for their 



68 

lives. Many wept under the word, and I trubi 
that our meetings in this ph\ce will be had in 
long remembrance. 

Thursday, we came to Bristol, and took the 
steam-boat for Bordintown, from thence went 
in the stage to South- Amboy ; from thence, in 
a packet to New York, and thence in a packet 
to Albany. 

On Friday, May the 22d, we arrived at bro- 
ther James Vanvorst's, in Ballstown, county of 
Saratoga, in the State of New- York, who kind- 
ly received us. 

Sunday, the 24th, went to brother Amos 
Ross's, in Milton ; attended a meeting with the 
disciples. Brother Blodget preached, and I 
guve an exhortation. The Spirit of God seem- 
ed to run from heart to heart, through the 
meeting ; many warm exhortations followed j 
and many could say, ** as cold water is to a 
thirsty soul, so is good news from a far coun- 
try." Here Vv^e ielt to thank God and take 
courage. In Ballstown and Milton, there is a 
Church, who were converted to God, a few 
years since, under the preaching of sister Nan- 
cy G. Cram, of Ware, Newhampshire. Her 
unwearied labours in the gospel of Christ will 
be had in long remembrance. We visited the 
brethren in the towns of Greenfield, Hadly, 
Providence, and Galway ; saw a general quick- 
ening among the saints, and h-. d many solemn 
times with sinners ; and since have been in- 
formed that God was pleased to awaken several 
poor sinners under our preaching, while in this 
region ; who afterwards found the salvation of 



89 

the Lord. After tarrying in this county aboui: 
five weeks, wc felt it our duty to journey 
through the western part of the State. 

Monday, the 30th of June, we commenced 
our journey for the west, in company with El- 
der Joj^eph Badger, and wife. 

July the 1st, arrived at Elder Jonathan S. 
Thompson's, in Chariestown. Here is anothei 
Church, that were collected under the preach- 
ing of sister Nancy G. Cram. When I heard 
with what boldness she would speak in the 
n ime of the Lord, it brought this promise of 
God to my mhid ; '' And it shall come to pass 
in the last days saith God, that I will pour out 
of my Spirit upon all flesh ; and your sons and 
your daughters shall prophesy." Acts 2, 17. 

July the 4th, we arrived at brother Phyle- 
tus Glass's, in Paris, near to Clinton College^ 
After a few days, brother Blodgetjournied witli 
brother B.idger and wife, to Pittsford, in the 
county of Ontario, one hundred and twenty- 
iive miles west of Paris. I staid and preached 
in Paris, Augusta, Vernon, Verona, and West- 
moreland ; and in all these towns, I found 
some loving disciples. Then I went up the 
Mohawk River, as far as the town of We stern ^ 
where the Lord had converted a number of souls 
the winter past, and the converts were deter^ 
mined to remain free. I held nine meetino's 
with them, and then returned to Paris. About 
the middle of August, I visited the brethren in 
Hartwick, fifty miles to the south of Paris ; 
\vhere the labours of Elder John Peavy, from 
Newhampshire, have been abundantly blessed 
8^^ 



90 

of God, in the harvest of souls, in that piace, 
held one meeting, and God g iVQ us a refresh- 
ing time. On my way back to Paris, held two 
meetings in Burlington, where I found a loving 
company of disciples. From thence, wxnt 
to PJainfield, ' where Elder Willet Stillman 
preaches ; here is a living company of Chris- 
tians, and my soul was filled with the love of 
God while speaking to them. 

The 23d and 24lh of August, I attended a 
general meeting, held at Westmoreland, by the 
Christian brethren. A large number of peo- 
ple attended, from different towns, and the 
Lord gave us a solemn and joyful time. 

Monday, the 25th, the Elders and brethren 
met to converse on the order of the house of 
God. Several of the preachers and brethren, 
in that part of the country, had embraced the 
unscriptural idea, that it is the duty for the 
Churches to ordain Elders, and their mode of 
ordaining was by vote. But, it could not be 
proved from the scriptures, that any Church 
ever ordained an Elder, or Deacon, in the days 
of the Apostles ; but it was very plainly prov- 
ed, that Christ, the Apostles, Prophets, and 
teachers, were those that did ordain, and sat in 
order, the things that were wanting in the 
Churches anciently ; and thiit their mode was, 
by f. sting, prayer, and laying on of hands. 

Tuesday, August the 26th, left Westmore- 
land, in company with Elder Badger, Peavy, 
and True, for Pittsford, in the county of On- 
tario, to attend a general meeting, the next 
Saturday and Sunday ; we journied about forty 



9i 

miles this dny, and I had a very severe ague 
fit in the evening, took a sweat that night, and 
was better the next morning. The next day 
at eleven o'clock, arrived at Dr. Beeman's, in 
Brutus, where we were kindly received. Elder 
Peavy preached at a school- house in the neigh- 
bourhood, that afterr.oon. We tarried that 
nig-ht with brother Adams. I found mvself to 
be very feeble, and having no horse, and bro- 
ther True's horse being tired with a long jour- 
ney, and we not knowing where to get another, 
gave over going to the general meeting. El- 
ders Badger and Peavy concluded to travel on 
that night, that they might attend to some ne- 
cessary business, before the m^eeting began — 
While meditating on the disappointment in our 
not attending the meeting, I felt verj^ solemn, 
and after praying to God to increase my faith, 
heal my body, and open our way, we retired 
to bed. The next morning, I was much re- 
freshed, and after breakfast, a brother gave us 
the use of a horse, and at eleven o'clock we 
were on our way for Pittsford. 

On Friday afternoon we arrived at Elder 
Badger's where the meeting was to be held. — - 
Here meeting with brother Blodget, after an 
absence of almost two months, my heart was 
comforted ; and more so, in finding that his la= 
bours had beea a blessing to the Zion of God 
in this place, 

Saturday morning, our general meeting com- 
menced in a nev/ barn, which had been prepar- 
ed for the purpose. There were ten preachers 
and about fifteen hundred people present. We 



92 



had a solemn and refreshing time, and at the 
close of the meeting, brother John Blodget a 
young man of an unspotted character, was or- 
darned to the work of the ministry, by fastino- 
prayer, and laying on of hands. ^' 

Monday, we met in conference with the El- 
ders and brethren. There were two requests 
made to this conference, to have another gen- 
eral meetmg; one from Brutus, in the county 
Ot Cayuga, and the other from Hartland, in the 
county of Niagara, sixty miles to the west of 
Jrittsford. 

When the request was made for a general 
meetmg to be held at Hartland, my mind was 
arawn diere ; and to me it seemed *the glory of 
Ood shone in that direction. We then appoint- 
ed a general meeting at Hartland, to commence 
on Saturday, the 4th day of October following, 
and then bid each other an affectionate larewel, 
hopmg to meet again in that world where part- 
ing will be known no more. 

Tuesday, September the 2d, accompanied 
brother Miller and wife to their home, in the 
(own of Murry, thirty miles to the west, on the 
ndge road ; here found a small company of 
loving brethren. I attended five meetings with 
them, and then returned back to Pittsford. 

Friday, the 11th, went with Elders Badger 
and Blodget to the town of Lima, to hear bro- 
ther Lorenzo Dow. He preached two sermons 
to about two thousand people, which were sol- 
emn and interesting to my mind. O the bless- 
ed empkjyment ol going forth to all the world, 
and preaching the everksting gospel to perish^ 



95 



jng sinners. Saturday, I retuVnecl with brother 
Blodget to the west part of Pittsford, where we 
held a fellowship meeting with the brethren. 
The power of God came upon the saints, and 
they shouted aloud for joy. 

Sunday, the 13th, preached in this neigh- 
bourhood. and after sermon we repaired to the 
water, and brother Blodget (for the first time) 
baptized two persons in the Genesee river. 

Monday, bought each of us a horse, saddle, 
and bridle, of Elder Badger. 

Wednesday, the 16th, we arrived at Elder 
Joel Doublcday's, in Hartland, where we were 
joyfully received, and learned that the Lord 
was to work in this place. 

Thursday, the 17th, we attended a meeting 
in the neighbourhood. I spoke to the people 
about an hour, and the Lord came down like 
rain on the new- mown grass, and as showers 
that water the eardi. Young converts sung, 
sinners w^ept, while the old saints shouted aloud 
for joy. Glory to God ! we here felt to take 
new courage. When I was within about four 
miles of this settlement, at a place called John- 
son's creek, I felt that the Lord had somr peo- 
pie in that neighbourhood ; and after arriving 
at Elder Doubkday's, I sent an appointmuitto 
preach there the next First-day. 

Friday we held anodicr meeting in the set- 
tlement.' The; power of God was f-lt, and the 
reformation l:)eg<m anew^ 

Sunday, went to my appointment on the 
ridge ro d A large assemi ^ly attended. I held 
eight meetings on the ridge, saw the giorioHS 



94 

work of God revive — baptized two, and left 
many poor sinnt-rs weeping. 

Saturday, October the 4th, our general meet- 
ing commenced, it was held in a large new 
barn, prepared for the purpose. We had a sol- 
emn time in praying to God, to take the lead 
of the meeting, by his holy spirit. After 
prayer, brother Hubbard Thompson gave a very 
feeling exhortation to the brethren, to *^ quench 
not the spirit;'' after which, about thirty sol- 
emn, melting exhortations followed. In the 
afternoon, brother Blodget preached a very sol- 
emn and instructing discourse, there was also 
another discourse delivered in the evening. 

Sunday morning, at ten o'clock, the peopk 
collected from several towns, I gave them a dis- 
course two hours and a quarter ; never had I 
more freedom in speaking than at this time ; 
the Lord God was in the meeting. In the af- 
ternoon, Elder Badger, and brother Thompson, 
preached ; in the evening brother Thompson 
spoke in one part of the town, and I in the 
other ; this was my last sermon in that place, 
and it was a weeping\time among saints and sin^ 
ners. Monday, met with the brethren again : 
to set in order the things that were wanting in 
the Church, and ordained brother William 
Smith, lor a deacon. About 4 o'clock, we 
parted in tears, with a lively hope of immortali« 
ty beyond the grave. This was the most sol- 
emn, heavenly, general meeting that I ever at- 
tended. 

The glorious reformation continued in this 
place, until about one himdred were hopefully 



9B 

converted to God. There was a request made 
to die elders of diis meeting, by the Church, at 
Murry, and the brethren at Leroy, that brother 
Hubbard Thompson, should be ordained to the 
work of the ministry. It was thought best, 
that the ordination should be attended to, in the 
town of Leroy, where brother Thompson was 
soon going to live. We, therefore, appointed 
a general meeting, at brother S.':ephen Randall's, 
at Leroy, in Genesee comity, on the iSih and 
19th of the present month. \\ ednesday, at- 
tended a meeting at S.indy Creek, on the ridge 
road ; the people's minds were hard. Friday 
went through Leroy, and gave out the appoint- 
ment for the general meeting, then went on 
South to Covington. That night stayed at a 
tavern, the next morning went to brother David 
Norris's in Covir^gton, who received me kindly. 
I was here informed that Elder Willi .m True, 
of the town of Perry, had an appointment to 
preach there the next day ; and they invited me 
to stay and attend the meeting with him. 

Sunday, the 12th, brother True was called 
away to attend a funeral, and I spoke to the peo- 
ple at his appointment, O ! how my heart was 
drawn out in love for this dear people, the pow- 
er of God was felt among them, and at the close 
of the afternoon meeting, seven arose treml>ling, 
and desired the s:iints to pray for them. I made 
an apointment to preach there again, on Thurs- 
day evening following. Next day, went six 
miles south to Perry, held a meeting at Elder 
True's, on Tuesday evening, and gave him no- 
tice of the general meeting. Thursday, return- 



ft6 

ed to my appointment, at brother Norris's ; this 
evening will long be remembered by many ; 
God's power was there to wound, and to heal. 
At the close of the meeting, one of brother 
Norris's daughters arose and praised God, for 
what he had done, in converting her soul that 
evening. My heart rejoiced, knowing that my 
labour w'as not in vain in the Lord. Many of 
the young people, had assembled in the same 
neighbourhood, that night to have a ball. — 
My heart was drawn out in prayer, that God 
would give them no rest till they should find 
the Lord Jesus to be precious to their souh'. I 
afterwards was informed, by some that was 
there, that it was a trying night to them ; and 
that they wearied their bodies trying to dance 
until late in the evening ; 3^et their minds were 
principally engaged in thinking on what they 
had heard the Sunday before. The reforma- 
tion from that time became visible. I visited 
them the next summer, and found Elder True 
had baptized about one hundred persons, in that 
place. 

Saturday, the 18th, the genera] meeting be= 
gan at brother Stephen RandaiPs, in Leroy, 
There was no Church collected together in this 
place ; but there was a number that had come 
from Vermont, who were acquainted with the 
L.^mb. A number of these scattered sheep 
collected, and while we were in prayer, the 
power of God came upon the old saints ; so 
that some of them cried aloud. The fire of love 
seemed to kindle, and there followed about 



97 

twenty soleirin exhortations. After whicli^ 1 
delivej'cd a short discourse. 

In the eveninor. Eider Badi>;er delivered a 
very interesting sermon ; we then parted to 
seek for lodging. 

Sunday, the lOth, we met in a barn, prepar- 
ed to acconimodate the people. Elder Blodg- 
et delivered a very refreshing discourse in the 
forenoon In the afternoon I spoke to the 
people, and Elder Badger gave a suitable ex- 
hortation ; after which, brother Hubbard 
Thompson was ordained, by fasting, prayer, 
and laying on of hands. The Mondiiy follow- 
ing, Ave appointed to meet with the brethren. 
1o converse on the order of the house of God : 
several of the brethren believed it duty to 
unite as a Church, that they might enjoy the 
ordinances of his house. There were eleven 
that came forward, joined hands in a ring, 
kneeled, and joined in prayer. This Avas a 
solemn time ; and the Lord began a gracious 
Avork in that place, and there Avere soon about 
forty added to the little band, 

Tuesday, the 21st, I rode to Mr. Joel Ncaa'- 
man's, in the south part of the toAvn of Lima, 
in the county of Ontario ; Avas kindly receiv- 
ed, and an appointment for a meeting Avas giv- 
en out, for the next evening; a number of 
people came to hear the stranger; I spoke 
two hours; the Lord came down ]ike rain; 
this Avas a convicting time. At the close of 
the sermon, four persons came forward Aveep- 
ingv and desired the prayers of- the saints 
9 



98 

The people were desirous again to hear of 
this matter. I made an appointment to be 
there the next Sunday. 

Thursday, the 23d, attended a meeting at 
brother Solomon Arthers, in the north part 
of the town, in the afternoon ; and in the even- 
ting, at a place called Norton's JViills. Here I 
spoke about three hours from these words — 
'• My meat is to do the will of him that sent 
me, and to finish his work"....John iv. 34. I 
first spoke of the one that sent y secondly, of 
the one that was sent; and thirdly, of the 
great work that he came to finish. Many of 
the saints wept, and some shouted aloud for 
joy. Friday evening, held a meeting in the 
town of Mendon; felt some embarrassed in 
mind. 

Sunday, the 26th, held two meetings again 
at friend Newman's ; there was a great atten- 
tion amongst the people to hear the word, 
and I felt that the Lord was about to revive 
his work in that place. 

Monday, the 27th, went eigliteen miles 
south of Lima, to brother Alexander Miller's, 
in the town of Groveland, who lived in a log 
hut, in a wilderness country; and when I 
heard him relate A^iiat God had done for him 
and his family ; I could say as the Apostle 
once did : " I perceive of a truth, that God is 
no respecter of persons ; but in every nation, 
he that feareth him, and w.orketh righteous- 
ness, is accepted with him." Brother Miller 
and his wife had experienced religion some 
years before, and a short time previous to my 



99 

visiting his house, the Lord converted five of 
his children, vvlio were all happy in God. I 
held two meetings with them, and on Thurs- 
day returned to Lima, and held a meeting in 
the evening. A solemn sense of eternal things 
seemed to rest on the minds of the people, in 
this place. 

Sunday, the 2d, of November, preached my 
last discourse, at friend Newman's. 

Tuesday evening, attended a prayer meeting 
in this neighbourhood, and one young woman 
experienced the salvation of God, many more 
manifested their determination, to seek him 
whom my soul loveth. The work of God, 
spread very powerfully in this place and in the 
south part of Mendon, near to Norton's mills. 
Elder Joseph B idger, was the principal mstru- 
ment in the work. 

Thursday, the 6th of November, my friends 
in Lima I bid farewel. It was hard parting 
from this people. S -ints and sinners plead 
with tears for me to stay with them ; but my 
mind was greatly impressed to return to the 
east, and visit my brethren in the county of 
Otsego, and there wait for further duty. Not 
having heard from brother Blodget, for about 
three weeks, and not knowing how his mind 
might be led, I concluded, to go to Pittsford 
and leave a letter for him, and start the next 
morning for Otsego. I had not been at bro- 
ther Cady's, in Pittsford, an hour, when bro- 
ther Blodget arrived from the west. Two days 
before, we were eighty miles apart, i soor> 



iOO 

found that liis mind had been led to the coun- 
ty ot Otsfgo. 

Friday, the 7th of November, we left Pitts- 
fcrd, for Otsego, about two hundred miles to 
the east. 

Saturday, we crossed the Cayuga Lake, and 
in the evening arrived at Brutus, where we met 
Elder Elijah Shaw, from New Hampshire. 

Sunday, the 9th, brother Blodget staid with 
Elder True, to preach in the west Church, and 
I went with Elder Shaw to his appointment in 
the east part of the town. Brother Shaw ap- 
peared to be a very solemn young man. O ! 
how important is it that preachers of the ever- 
lasting gospel, should be '* examples of believ- 
ers," "in word, in conversation, in charity, in 
spirit, in faith, in purity." I. Timothy 4, 12. 
I spoke to the people in the afternoon, and the 
Lord gave me great freedom of mind. The 
next day, we pursued on our journey. 

Thursday, the 13th of November, we arri- 
ved at brother Perry Clark's, in the town of 
Plainfield, county of Otsego, where we were 
kindly received. We that evening attended a 
meeting in his house. Here is a company of 
Christians, that believe in keeping the seventh 
day, for their Sabbath. We attended a fellow- 
ship meeting with them the next day, and 
found the brethren low in spirit, but the Ark 
seemed to move before the meeting closed. 

Saturday, we held another meetmg with 
them, and the Lord gave us a refreshing from 
his presence. In the evening, we met at the 
schoohhouse again ; Elder Blodget preached. 



101 

and the whole camp of the saints were moved. 
^' Surely God is gone up with a shout, the 
Lord with a sound of a trumpet/' This was 
a time long to be remembered. 

L;ist August, I visited this Church, and 
found a lovmg company of disciples, but they 
had been led into the unscriptural notion, that 
it is the dutv for the Church to ordain Elders. 
But since the general meeting and conference 
at Westmoreland, where the subject of ordina 
tion was thoroughly investigated, brother StilL 
man, their preacher, has been ordained accord- 
ing to the New Testament. 

Sunday, the 16th, we went to brother Peck's, 
in Burlington, and held a meeting at a school- 
house, in the neighbourhood that evening A 
solemn sense of eternal things seemed to rest 
on tlie minds of the people, in this place, there 
is a small company of brethren, that were con- 
sidered a Church, last summer, and they ap» 
pear to be of one mind and of one judgment. 
" O how good and hov/ pleasant it is, for bre- 
thren to dwell together in unity." We also 
visited the Churches in Hartvvick, New-Lis- 
bon, Laurens, and Otsego ; and saw a general 
quickening among the saints. After tarrying 
in this county about four weeks, I felt an im- 
pression on my mind to return to Connecticut. 
Brother Blodget's horse became lame, so that 
he could not journey any further for the present, 

Monday morning, December the 16th, after 
taking leave of brother Blodget, I sat oif for 
Connecticut, preached in the towns of Canajo= 

jHi-ry and Charlestown ; and on Friday, the 

* 



102 

19th, arrived at brother James Vanvorst's, ia 
Ballstown. Here I learned that the Lord had 
graciously visited the people in that place, 
since I left them the summer past, and about 
twenty had hopefully experienced his salvation. 
I held one meeting with them, on Sunday. 

Monday, the 22d, renewed my journey, for 
the 'east. I did not feel to salute any man by 
thQ way, but to hasten to Connecticut, not 
knowing what things would hefal me there. 

Friday, December the 26th, I arrived at bro- 
ther James Marcy's, in the town of Holland, 
in Massachusetts, after an absence of eleven 
months. The children's hearts and counten- 
ances were fiJled with joy at my return The 
news of my arrival spread in every direction, 
and on Sunday, the 28th, I preached at brother 
Marcy's. Some attended the meeting from 
six towns ; I spoke twice, and the Lord seem- 
ed to fill every child's heart with love, and their 
mouths with praise. At the close of the even- 
ing meeting, three persons manifested their de- 
sire to follow the Lamb, in the ordinance of 
baptism. A meeting was appointed for the 
purpose of attending to the ordinance the next 
morning, 

Monday morning, after hearing the three re- 
late what great things the Lord had done for 
them, we repaired to the same place where I 
had baptized fourteen the winter before. This 
was a precious season to many present. After 
baptizing, I rode to Deacon Richmond's, in 
W'estford, in Connecticut; where I was joyful- 
ly received. 



103 

Tuesday evening", held a meetinj^ with the 
brethren at V\ estlbrd ; dnd the Lord gave us a 
joyful time. 

Wednesday morning, set forw^ard for Hamp- 
ton, not knowing what had taken pkice there, 
but as I sat my face towards H nipton, I had 
feehngs that I could not aci.ount for. My spirit 
seemed to mourn v/ithin me. And as I rode 
along, I felt to inquire of the Lord, in this lan- 
guage : Lord, why do I feel thus :•' why do I 
not feel to rejoice in returning to see my bre- 
thren, with whom I lijve h;id so many precious 
seasons, in times past ? I feared th it all was not 
right in Hampton. When I arrived there, the 
looks, voices, and manners of many of the 
dear brotliers and sisters, seemed so wild and. 
strange, that I knew not how to order my 
speech before them. My face soon dropped 
between my hands, and I thought of the Qua- 
ker sister's text, 'Met thy thoughts be turned 
inward." I thought this to be a time to look 
to God, in silence. 

Thursday morning, January the 1st, 18 '8. 
This morning, when I awoke, this pass^ige of 
scripture came with weight mto my mind : ** I 
said, I Will take heed to my ways, that I sin not 
with my tongue : I will keep my mouth with a 
bridle, while the wicked is before me. I was 
dumb with silence, I held my peace even from 
good ; and my sorrow was stirred." Psalm 

This scripture was applicable to my situa- 
tion, and I thought ic duty to remain silent. — 
That evening I attended a meeting at the Bur- 



i04 

ii-iiii IMeeting'- house. Elders Bnrnam, Far- 
num, Burllngame, and Bates, were present. — 
O ! how my heart was pained, to see the awful 
conhision the dear brethren were in. Douglas 
Farnum took his stand in the pulpit, Nathan 
Burlingame m the broad isle, and Archiljald 
Bates stood upon one of the front seats — and 
with all the deceivableness of unrighteousness, 
they strove to animate the passions of the hon- 
est children, to carry on their wild devotions. 
Sonrj would whine, bark, and howl, so near 
like a dog, that it would set a person's eyes 
and ears at variance, while others were scream- 
ing as if the infernal demons were dragging 
them down to the regions of despair — others 
would dance, he. Sec. Hundreds of people 
w^ere v/aiting with anxiety to hear what I should 
say respecting the new doctrines that had been 
introduced among the people in my absence. 
Now, I felt the need of wisdom from above, 
that I might know how to conduct myself, in 
die Church of God. 

" While I was musing, the fire burned," 
and the third meeting that I attended, felt it 
duty to declare to the people, that I did not 
fellowship the way they pretended to worship 
God. This caused a great shaking among the 
people. Many began to inquire, who shall we 
believe ? I advised them to search the scrip- 
tures, and to lay aside every thing but the Com- 
mandments and example of Christ and the 
Apostles I then was informed by the bre- 
thren, that soon after I left Hampton. Farnum 
and Burlingame made them a visit, and began 



105- 

to introduce these '' wiles of the devil" among 
them. 

The 12th, 13th, and 14th of March, 1818, 
we held a Church meeting at the Goshen 
Meeting-house, in Hampton. Ten Elders were 
present, and a large number of brethren from 
several Churches, in Connecticut, Rhode-Isl- 
and, and Massachusetts, and after inquiring in- 
to the conduct of Douglas Farnum, voted to 
withdraw fellowship from him, and fi'om all 
preachers who countenance said F:irnum, in his 
unchristian practices. Further information re- 
specting this matter may be had by applying 
to the Churches in Goshen, and in the Burnam 
neighbourhood, in Hampton. 

After labouring in these regions about four 
months, I had the joy of seeing the greater part 
of my dear brethren return from those delu- 
sions they h.-^d been led into by those whom 
they believed to be their friends, and to strive 
once more to walk in the Lord as they receiv- 
ed him. 

The last of April, I took leave of the 
Churches in Holland, Ashford, Hampton, 
Windham, Lebanon, and Lime. 

Thursday, May the 7th, 1818, set out with 
Elder Isaac Hall, for the State of Vermont. 

Sunday, the 10th, we attended a mqeting in 
Walpole, in New- Hampshire, where we found 
Elder Rollings, engaged in a glorious reforma- 
tion. 

The Tuesday following, I parted with Elder 
Hall, at the mouth of VVhite River, and went 



106 

on foot to Woodstock, . Vermont. The next 
day, went to Randolph. 

Sunday, the 17th, I preached at a school- 
house in Randolph, Vermont, near a village 
that is called Slab City. Here the Lord re- 
freshed my soul, and I felt to thank God and 
take courage. 

Tuesday, held a meeting in the same neigh- 
bourhood again. 

Thursday, preached in the town of Brook- 
field, and, on Friday evening at the Court- 
house in Chelsea. 

Sunday, preached again at the Court-house, 
and, on Monday morning, bought me an horse, 
and rode to brother Daniel Parrish's, in Ran- 
dolph. 

Tuesday, spoke at the Baptist meeting- 
house, in the north part of Randolph ; here I 
enjoyed the presence of the Lord. 

Sunday, the 31st, preached at the Slab ci- 
ty school-house ; a large assembly attended. 
The fore part of the day, my subject led me 
to speak something on baptism ; and, in the 
afternoon, as soon as I entered the school- 
house, felt my mind to close up, and it appear- 
ed to be death to my mind to attempt to 
preach ; and, after praying, I exhorted the 
brethren to duty. Soon after, a youDg wo- 
man arose, and said that she felt it to be her 
du'ty to relate what God had done for her soul. 
Four other persons gave a relation of their 
experience, aiid one yourjg man wished to be 
baptized that afternoon. This was a solemn. 



107 

joyful season^ A short time afterwards, I 
baptized the other four. 

1 held a number of meetings in Randolph, 
Braintrce, Brookfield, and Bethel; eitjoyed 
much of the presence of God in my soul, asd 
saw a general quickening among the saints, 
and several sinners were hopefully converted 
to God. 

Thursday, July the Sd, I journicd about 
twenty-five miles from Randolph, to tlie south 
part of the town of Woodstock. Here I found 
the brethren in a very low state. The iirst 
meeting that I held, there were but six ihat 
attended it — in the List, there were about 
five hundred. I held a number of meetings 
here, and in the east part of Bridgewater; 
and had the joy of seeing a general revival 
among the brethren. 

Sunday, the 19th, I preached a farewel dis- 
course to the people in Brilgew iter ; and on 
Monday morning called on brother Whitcom ; 
when about leaving the town, met his daugh- 
ter at the door, and said to her, Silvy, I am 
about to leave this part of the country, and 
before I go, I want you to tell me your deter- 
mination, whether it be to serve God or the 
devil ? She gave me no answer, but began 
to weep ; after coriversing with the fam'dy a 
few moments, l told her that if she would 
promise to begin that day, and seek God v/ith 
all her heart, I would come back and bold 
another meeting: in her neig'hhoui'hood : — 
And after a few moments cojjsideration, she 
gave me her hand, promising that if 1 would 



108 

pray for her, she would. I made an appoint- 
inent to be there the next v>eek on Tuesday. 

Sunday, the 26th of July, preached my last 
discourse in the south parish meeling-house, 
in Woodstock. This was oiic of the most 
precious days of my liie. In the afternoon, I 
spoke upon the resurrection from the dead. 
O ! how animatino; the thoug-ht that this cor- 
ruptible, shall put on incorruption, and tins 
mortal, shall put on immortality, when death 
shall be swallowed up in victory ! My heart 
was drawn out in love for poor sinners — 
Christ was precious to my soul — the saints to 
me were the excellent ones of the earth — and 
the preaching of the gospel sweeter than hon- 
ey, or the honey comb. At the close of the 
meeting, broke bread to the brethren, and bid 
them all farewel. The older saints sorrowed 
most of all, not expecting to see my face again. 

Tuesday, the 28th, met the people at the 
brick school-house in Bridgewater. So soon 
as I had prayed, brother Whitcom's daughter 
arose and told the people that she had found 
the salvation of God, and with teari^ she ex- 
hortcii her neighbours to seek the Lord with 
all their hearts. This meeting will be had in 
long remembrance. 

Sunday, August the 2d, preached tw ice in 
Bridgewater, to a large weeping assembly. 
I found it hard parting Avith this people, for 
saints and sinners plead with tears for me to 
stay, but my mind w as to go to the west. 

Monday morning, the 3d, 1 set out for the 
state of New-York, crossed the Green moun- 



109 

tains, and on Wednesday the 5th, arrived at 
Ballslovvn. The brethren were much rejoiced 
on my arrival there I held three meetings 
with them, and on Monday the 10th, renewed 
jny journey to the west. 

Tuesday, the 11th, arrived at brother Per- 
ry Clark's, in Plainfield ; I attended five meet- 
ings with the brethren in this place. God 
made us joyful in his house of prayer. I then 
proceeded on my journey. 

Wednesday, the 19th of August, I arrived 
at Eider Joseph Badger's, in Mendon, in the 
county of Ontario. Here met with Eiders 
Elias Sharp, David Millard, and my beloved 
brother Blodget. O, how consoling to me, 
to meet with the dear preachers of the gos- 
pel! 

Saturday, the 22d, I went with Elder Blod- 
get to my good friend Joel Newman's, in tlie 
south part of Lima; and passing by tlie field 
where two of his sons were cradling grain, so 
soon as they saw us, they dropped their tools 
and with speed came to the house. Last fall 
I left them in tears and distress; their lan- 
guage was, pray for us, that we. may have a 
part in Christ. But now their faces shined, 
their hearts were filled with love, and their 
mouths with praise to God. O ! what a change 
in this family since we parted. Six or seven 
of their children have hopefully experienced 
the washing of regeneration, and the renew- 
ing of the Holy Ghost. I preached again in the 
towns of Mendon, Lima, Pike, Perry, Coven- 
ioiif and Leroy ; and O ! how my heart was 
10 



no 

comforted, to hear and see what wonders 
God has wrought in those regions the year 
past. Many places that was spiritually a wil- 
derness then, has now hecorae a fruitful field, 
and the songs of the redeemed are heard in 
many places. Two years since, there were 
but about twenty of the christian brethren 
known in the counties of Ontario, Gennessee, 
and Niagara. But in these three counties 
there are, at the present time, (1818,) ten 
Elders, and ten churches, which contain ^ve 
hundred loving followers of the Lamb. After 
holding a number of meetings in this region, 
I felt my mind drawn to the state of Ohio. 

Tuesday, the 22d of September, I left Li- 
ma, in company with Elder Blodget for Ohio. 
We went through Buffalo and Erie, and on 
Sunday morning, September the 27th, we ar- 
rived at Col. Edward Fyfield's, in Salem, 
which is the northeast corner town in the 
state of Ohio. Here we were kindly received, 
and after taking some refreshment, we went 
to the school-house in the neighbourhood, 
where we found some brethren met for a 
prayer meeting ; we preached two discourses 
to them, and the Lord refreshed our minds. 
Here we found Elder Cheny, from Newhamp- 
shire, who had gathered a Church consisting 
of eighteen members. 

The news of our arrival, soon spread in 
every direction, and the people flocked to 
hear; the solemn power of God attended the 
word, and there was soon a crying out, "sirs, 
what must we do to be saved ?" I tarried in 



Ill 

this state five weeks, and preached in tlit 
towns of Salem, Kingsville, and Monroe ; saw 
a blessed revival of the work of God, and bap- 
tized two. The last meeting but one that I 
attended in Salem, there were nineteen that 
came forward, kneeled, and desired the 
prayers of the saints. 

Tuesday, the 3d of November, I left brother 
Blodget in Salem, and commenced a journey 
for Connecticut. 

Sunday, the 8th, preached in Lima, state of 
New-York. 

Sunday, the 15th, in Redding, in the coun- 
ty of Steuben, which is at the head of the Se- 
neca lake. 

Sunday, the 22d, I preached in Hartwick, 
in the county of Otsego. I tarried three weeks 
in this county, and had many precious seasons 
with my brethren. 

Sunday, December the 20th, preached in 
Cartwright, in the county of Delaware. From 
thence, I rode to Doctor Warner's, in Green- 
ville, in the county of Greene. 

Wednesday evenii^g, the 23d, I preached at 
a school-house, near the Doctor's, in the vil- 
lage of Freehold. In the towns of Greenville 
and Baltimore, I found a loving company of 
brethren. I staid in these towns about six 
weeks, and enjoyed many very precious seasons 
with them. While in Baltimore, I received a 
letter from Elder Blodsret, whicli inform^^d 
that the blessed work of God was spre >di-ig 
very gloriously in Salem and Kingsville, in the 



112 

state of Ohio. O I how it animates my soul 
to hear that sinners are gathering to the Shiioli. 

Tuesday, February the 9th, 1819, 1 left Bal- 
timore, and on Friday the 12th, arrived at 
Hampton, in Connecticut. Here I found FJ. 
ders Plummer, and Louton, from Philadelphia. 
Joy seemed to fill the hearts of the brethren at 
my return, and I was not less joyful to find 
them in their present situation ; most ail of 
them were united in love.. O! how difierent 
it was one year since, to what it is now. Then, 
all was wild confusion, but now the greater 
part seemed to be "clothed in their right mind, 
and sitting at the feet of Jesus." 

I tarried in Connecticut about four weeks, 
then went to Massachusetts, to visit my breth* 
ren, in my native place ; where I was so much 
afflicted with bodily infirmity, that I did not 
attend many meetings with tbem. 

Saturday, April the 10th, I sailed from New- 
Bedford, in Massachusetts, for the city of New- 
York, in company with Elders \\ hitten, and 
Taylor ; we arrived at brother Amos Com- 
ing's, in the city, on Thursday the 15th. 

Friday evening we held a meeting in a 
school-house near Greenwich street, where 
Elder Taylor delivered a ver}^ solemn discourse, 
from these words, ** Blessed are the pure in 
heart for they shall see God." 

Saturday, Elder Taylor parted from us, and 
sailed up the North river. 

Sunday morning, the 18th, Elder Whitten 
went on board of a ship, and sailed for Liver- 
pool, in England, to visit his parents, whom he 



113 

had not seen for nearly seventeen years. I tar- 
ried in the city, and held two meetings, and the 
Lord gave me a refreshing time with the peo- 
ple. 

Monday, the 19th. I sailed for the state of 
Connecticut; and, through the goodness of 
God, on Thursday the 22d, arrived safe at Cap- 
tain Luther Reeves's, in Lime, though much 
depressed in mind- 

Sunday, the 25th, held meetings with Elder 
Sharp, at the Baptist meeting-house in Pleas mt 
vallev. There was some opposition in the 
forenoon, from a Calvinistick preacher and the 
Church in that place ; but the Lord gave us a 
solemn and joyful time in the afternoon and 
evening meetings, in preaching the word. 

Sunday, May the 2d, I preached in Water- 
ford ; Tuesday in Lime ; Thursday in Leba- 
non ; Friday and Saturday in Windham ; and 
Sunday at Goshen, in Hampton. Here I felt 
the Lord God to be present with the people. 
After tarrying about two months in Connecti- 
cut, and held meetings in those towns w^here I 
had before preached the word, and enjoyed 
some of the Divine presence with my brethren, 
I felt imprt ssed to go again and visit ray breth- 
ren in the west. 

Tuesday, the 3d of August, set out from 
Hampton ; and on S .turday ihe 7th, arrived at 
brother James Vanvorst's, in Ballstown, state 
of New- York; and the next day attended a 
meeting with the brethren in the town of Mil« 
ton. 

10* 



114 

Tiiesclavy rode to the town of Greenfield, 
where I held two meetings with the brethren, 
aid baptized one ; and again returned to Balls- 
town. My mind is troubled : — O, Lord, de- 
liver me from every false impression, and lead 
me by thy holy spirit. 

Sunday the 15th, I preached in Ballstown ; 
and on Wednesday the 1 8th, at brother Joshua 
Aies worth's, in the town of Florida. O ! my 
leanness, my leanness ! 

Thursday, arrived at Deacon Camel's, in 
Ch.irlestown, in the county of Montgomery. I 
feel the necessity of a closer walk with my 
God. 

Sunday, the 22d, preached twice with the 
brethren, and two persons were baptized by 
Elder John Spore. Monday morning, held a 
meeting at sunrising, in the same place, with 
Elder Jonathan S. Thompson ; then rode to 
C nnajoharry, and there held a meeting with 
him in the evening. Tuesday morning we 
again held a meeting, and set out for the town 
of Verona, in the county of Oneida. The next 
morning, I was solemnly impressed to go to the 
county of Otsego. 1 therefore left brother 
Thompson, and on Wednesday evening, the 
25th, arrived at brother Perry Clark's, in Plain- 
field, in the county of Otsego. Here I was in- 
formed, that Elders John L. Peavy, and Ira 
Marshal, had appointed a general meeting in 
the town of Exeter, to commence the Satur. 
day following. Thursday evening, held a 
meeting with the brethren, in Plainfield, and 
felt to gain some spiritual strength. Friday, 



\i5 

went to brother Peck\s, la the town of Bur- 
lington. Here I met Elders Peavy and Mar- 
shal, with brother Patten Davis, from Ver- 
mont, whieh was a joyful meeting to me, and 
I ft4t to thank God and take courage. We 
held a meeting in the afternoon with the breth- 
ren in this neighbourhood. 

Saturday, the 28lh, our general meeting com- 
menced in Exeter ; a large number of people 
assembled from different towns, and a number 
of interesting sermons were delivered, to which 
the people gave great attention, 

Monday, the 30th, rode with Elder Marshal 
to Henry Capwell's, in the town of New-Lis- 
bon, and preached at four, P. M. Several of 
the youth came in that evening, to hear some- 
thing more of that Being, who came to seek 
and to save the chief of sinners. We had a 
solemn, praying, and weeping time before the 
Lord. Tuesday, the 31st, we held a meeting 
in the town of Hartwick ; the Lord came down 
like rain, and there were thirty arose, and man- 
ifested their desire for salvation. 

Saturday, September the 4th, I attended a 
fellowship meeting, at Elder Samuel P. Al- 
len's, in the town of Otsego. There were 
about forty that attended. O ! how did my 
heart rejoice, to see them all arise, one after 
another, and declare the goodness of God to 
them. Truly we sat together in a heavenly 
place, in Christ. Sunday, the 5th, held a meet- 
ing at the same piace, O ! how sweet is the 
gospel. 



116 

Tuesday, the 9th, rode to Haitwiek, and 
held a meeting in the afternoon ; and in the 
evening held a prayer meeting, where several 
of the youth wept very bitterly, while they 
viewed they had no part in the root of Jesse. 

Wednesday, the 8th, w^e rode to brother 
Handford's, in the t(Dwn of Cartvvris'ht, countv 
of Delaware ; and on Thursday evening at- 
tended a meeting there, Avith the disciples. 

September the lldi, l2th and 13th, we at- 
tended a general meeting in Cartwright : there 
were seven preachers present, and a large num- 
ber of brethren from different quarters assem- 
bled ; the Lord gave us a spirit of union, so 
that we sat together, in an heavenly place, in 
Christ Jesus ; and was one of the most heav- 
enly general meetings that I ever attended. — 
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, held meet- 
ings in Hartwick. O ! the beauties of Christ ! 
His worth, if all the nations knew, sure the 
whole world would love him too ! The 18ih 
and 19th instant, we attended a general meet- 
ing in the town o.f New-Lisbon, county of Ot- 
sego ; there were about two thousand people 
that attended ; eight persons were baptized, 
and much good, I trust, was done in the name 
of the holy child, Jesus. 

^ Monday, the 18th of October, I arrived in 
Hampton, Connecticut, in company with Elder 
Ira Marshal. 

Sund .y, J-inuary the 9th, 1820. This day 
was requested to speak at the funeral of Polly 
Brooks, daughter of Nathaniel Brooks, of Ash- 
ford, who about three years since experienced 



117 

religion, was baptized and united with the 
Church in VVestford. She was an ami :ble 
young woman, a fliithful disciple of Jesus, and 
has now gone to receive her reward in that 
world where there is no death, and where the 
inhabitants shall never say I am sick. *' Pre- 
cious in the sight of the Lord is the death of 
his saints." 

We live in an age of inquiry, and a day of 
wonders ; the coming of the Lord draweth 
near, *' But who may abide the day of his 
coming ? and who shall stand when he appear- 
eth ?" O ! that all may be ready to meet our 
Judge, when the trump of God shall sound. 



A VIEW 

OF THE 

APOSTOLIC ORDER 

OF THE 

HOUSE OF GOD; 

OR, MORE PARTICULARLY. OF THE ORDER OF OFFICERSj 
AND THEIR DUTY IN THE CHURCH. 



** 1st. That God has a Church, Kingdom, 
or Family, on earth, is so evident, I need not 
prove it. And that he has made his first-born, 
King ; put the government on his shoulder, 
made him Lawgiver and Governor, to rule his 
people, is also evident. 

2d. That through our mediator, Christ, 
we have the mind, w'Jl and command of God, 
his Father. A perfect law of liberty, every 
way adequate to the condition his Church, or 
Kingdom may be in, I need not adduce proof. 

3d. That Jesus Christ has given no au- 
thority to any, to form decrees, pass edicts, or 
make laws, any way to govern God's King- 
dom, unless qualified, authorized, ordained and 
inspired, by himself, is a fact, I think, will not 
be denied. And that the Apostles were such 
men, who held this office, I think is plain. 
'* Bind up the testimony, seal the law, among 
my disciples." Isaiah 8, 16. Jesus saith, 
** whatsoever thou shult bind on earth shall be 
bound in heaven ; and whatsoever thou shalt 



119 

loose on earth, shall be loosed in henven ;'^ 
'' whosoever sins ye remit, they are reniiued 
unto them ; and whosoever sins ye retain, they 
are retamed unto them." Since the Apostles 
finished their ministrv, there has been no sue h 
officers in the Church ; for the work by them 
was finished. Although none have the power 
of legislation, yet it is evident there were men 
chosen to office, who were qualifit d to enforce, 
and see that the laws given by Christ, were ex- 
ecuted in the Church. These appear to be con- 
tained in four different offices. — -ist, Deacons ; 
2d, Elders that rule ; ^(\^ Mders to rule and 
preach; and 4th, Evangelists. Three things 
are necessary to understand. — 1st, The qualifi- 
cations of each, required by the scriptures, to 
render them eligible to office -^2d, Their man- 
ner of beir.g brought into office, and by whom. 
And, 3d, What their duty is, while using their 
office. 

The word Deacon is five times in the Bible, 
Once in Phiilipians, 1,1; and four times in 
1st Timothy, 3, 8, 10, 12, 13. Seven things 
are requisite to qualify for the office of Dea- 
con. 1st. Grave, or considerate. 2d. Not 
double tongued ; diat is, addicted to instabili- 
ty, or loquaeity. 3d. Not given to much 
wine, but temperate. 4th. Not greedy of fil- 
thy lucre, or unjust gain 5th. Holding the 
mistery of the faith in a pure conscience. 6th. 
Proved. 7th. Ruling their own house well — 
And if the seven mentioned in the 6th chapter 
of the Acts were deacons, we learn that th«.y 
were chosen by the Church, appointed by the 



120 

Apostles, by the laying on of hands ; and that 
their office was to tiike care of the temporal af^ 
Lirs of the Church, and serve tables; if thos^ 
were not Deacons, and if that is not their work, 
I know not what it is. 

The 2d Office I shall notice, is, Elders to 
rule. The word Elder, si,^nifies the wisdom 
of age, rather than age itselh That there is an 
office designed particularly to rule, or govern^ 
see Hebrews 13, 7, 17, 24 ; and 1st Corinthi- 
ans, 12. 28. Their qualifications are so clear- 
ly described in the first chapter of Titus, I Sihall 
pass that by. Their duty is to take the over- 
sight of the flock and rule with diligence ; not 
as Lords over God's heritage, but as examples 
to the flock. 

3d. The third office I shall notice, is, the 
Elder that rules, and also, that labours in word 
and doctrine. Eight things are mentioned, 
which completely debars those to whom they 
are attached, from the office of Elder, or Bish- 
op, as a blemish ; as any thing superfluous did 
the sons of Levi from using the Priest's office. 
1st. Being given to wine. 2d. A striker. 
3d. Greedy of filthy lucre. 4ih. A brawler. 
5th. C ovetousness. 6th. A novice. 7th. 
Self-willed. 8th Soon angry. Any of these 
things debar, entirely, from the office of Bish- 
op. Fifteen things are re(j).ured by the scrip- 
tures, to qualify for this office. 1st. Blame- 
less. 2d But one wife, if any ; faithful chil- 
dren that are peaceable. 3d. Vigilant. 4ih. 
Sober. 5th Of good behaviour- 6th. Given 
to hospitality. 7th, Apt to teach. 8ih, Pa- 



121 

tient. 9th. A good report of them that art 
without. 10th. A lover of ,e^ood men. 1 1th. 
Just. 12th. Holy. 13th. Temperate. 14th. 
Holding fast the fahhful word. 15th. Abie, 
by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convince 
gain-sayers- All these are necessary to qualify 
any for the office of t.lder or Bishop. 

2d. Of the manner of their being brought 
into office. They were separated by the breth- 
ren, and appointed by the Elders and Teach- 
ers. 

3d. Their duty is, 1st, To take the charge, 
or have a care for the temporal concerns of the 
Church ; to see the poor are supplied, when 
there are no deacons, or men appointed for that 
purpose. 2d. They must take care of the 
Church of God, as overseers ; and with dili- 
gence rule, or see that the law of Christ is 
strictly attended to in the Church ; that the 
unruly are warned ; that the feeble and lame 
are comforted ; and that wicked persons are 
put away from among the flock of God. 3d. 
As a Pastor or Teacher, they should take heed 
or good care to feed the flock ; the Lambs with 
milk, or experimental consolations ; and the 
sheep with meat, or knowledge and under- 
standing ; and particularly be an example to 
the flock themselves. 

4th. Evangelists. — An Evangelist must be 
qualified every way as above, with the addi- 
tion, of being caught away by the spirit, or led 
to travel more largely, or being separated to 
that work by their brethren, through the influ- 
ence of the Holy Ghost. Their duty is to 
11 



122 

travel, plant, buiid, water, and confirm the dis- 
ciples in the truth ; also, at times, to visit the 
Churches, in order, one after another, to see 
how they do, and to set in order the things 
that are wanting ; ordain Deacons and Elders, 
counsel and instruct them, and help them to 
magnify their office, (fee. 

Finally, of the things I have written, this is 
the sum : 

1st. God has a Church, or Congregation. 

2d. That the authority to legislate for said 
Church was invested in Christ, so that who- 
soever enacts laws, to impose on God's 
Church, is an usurper. 

3d. That Christ has given to God's Church 
an invariable an<J perfect law, that needs no 
addition nor diminution. 

4thly. That the authority to execute those 
laws, is invested in the Church as a body. 

5thly. That the better to facilitate the exe- 
cution of said laws, the Churches are directed 
to choose certain characters to office for that 
purpose, as servants of the Churches ; to at- 
tend upon the same things. The offices I have 
mentioned are four — 1st, Deacons, to see that 
according to the command of Christ, the wants 
of the needy are relieved ; 2d, Elders, to rule 
and govern in the Church or Congregation, to 
preserve harmony,^ and see that all thmgs are 
done decently tj^nd m order ; 3d, Elder, to rule 
and take the oversight of the flock, as Pastors 
and Tcrichers, and to feed them with knowl- 
edge and understanding; 4th, Evangelists, 
those who feel the work, and are separated by 



123 

their brethren, to visit all the Churches, in or- 
der, and give such assistance as they need. 
Each Church has authority to transact its own 
aifairs, relating only to themselves. But, when 
the cause at large, required the united exer- 
tions of the Churches, they were in such or- 
der, as to act m union, and operate together ; 
hence some were chosen to travel by the 
Churches in the plural, &c." 

I have been convinced for some time, that it 
is according to the Apostolic practice, to or- 
dain ruling Elders, in every Church, where the 
gifts are to be found Paul, in writing to Tim- 
othy, saith, ** Let the Elders that rule well, be 
counted worthy of double honour ; especially, 
they who labour in the word and doctrine"..., 
1 Tim. V. 17. 

Two classes of Elders are plainly brought 
into view in this passage ; — and the difference 
between them is ; one has the gift of preaching, 
and the other has not. 

The duty of the ruling Elder is, 

Istly. To take the charge, or have a care, for 
the temporal concerns of the Church ; to see 
that the poor are supplied, when there are no 
Deacons, or men appointed for that purpose- 

2dly. They are to exhort their brethren not 
to forsake the assembling themselves together, 
and they are to take the lead in their meeting, 
in prayer, in exhortation, &c. 

3dly. They are to warn the unruly, and to 
see that they are dealt with, in a scriptural 
manner, and that they are put awjy from among 
the flock of God, if they cannot be restored. 



124 

4thly They are to baptize,* and break bread. 
1 have also been convinced that it is necessary 
that our Liders, who are men of wisdom, and 
^vho have an understanding of the order of the 
House of God, should be chosen by the Eld 
ers, and brethren, to travel through all the 
Churches, to set in order the things that are 
wanti.:g ; tomstruct the brethren well in these 
matters ; and if God has given the gift, or gifts, 
to ordam Llders in every Church, %o counsel 
instruct and help them, to magnifv their office. 
Were these things attended to, I believe that it 
would be for the edification, comfort, and con- 
tirmation of the children of God. 

* I am well aware of the alarm some will take at these 
observations. Say thej, no one should administer in the 
holy ordinances of God^s bouse but holy Elders. This i- 
true, and I do not believe that any men ought to be ordain- 
ed to any office in the Church, but si>ch as are holy. I 
Deheve that baptism, and breaking of bread, are holv ordi- 
nances, and that the children of God fmd a blessing in at- 
tending on them ; for Jesus has said, " This do in remem- 
brance of me. O! the prejudice of education. Chris- 
?ians oi diilerent denominations frequently meet pray 
preach, and sing together—own each other for brethren 
^nd converse together in the spirit of God. But so soon as 
tne table is spread with bread and wine, there is a separa- 
vion ? Jesus, while speaking to the blind Pharisees, said 
*' VVoe unto you ye blind guides, which say, whosoever 
.-bal swear by the Temple, it is nothing ; but whosoever 
.shall swear by the ^old of the Temple, he is a debtor. Ye 
lools and blind ; for whether is greater, the gold, or the 
Temple that sanctifieth the gold ?... Matt, xxiii. 16 17. 
O ! that the time may soon come, that all who profess to 
be followers of Jesus, may hold out to tbe. end, and be 
iailhfi;! to obey all his commands. 



THE MANNER OP DEALING SCRIPTURALLY WITH 
UNRULY MEMBERS. 

In the first place, we w ill notice the trans- 
gressions. 

And secondly, set in order the scriptures 
which relate to them. 

The first noticed in the New Testament is 
the trespass of one brother against another. 
See Matt, xviii. 15, 16, 17. " Moreover, if 
thy brother trespass against thee, go and tell 
liim his fault between him and thee alone ; if 
he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 
But if he will not hear thee, then take with 
ihee one or two more, that in the mouth of 
two or or three witnesses every word may be 
established. And if he shall neglect to hear 
them, tell it to the Church ; but if he shall 
neglect to hear the Church, let him be unto 
thee as an heathen man and a publican." 

This is the offence of one against another ; 
therefore no one know s it but the offender and 
the offended. Neither is the offended to ac- 
quaint any person wdth a single circumstance 
of the crime, till he has first, with the utmost 
tenderness and faithfulness, laboured for re- 
pentance in the offender. And if he gives a 
scriptural satisfaction, it ought ever to remain 
a secret. But if no fruit of repentance ap- 
pears, then, and then only, is he to acquaint 
others ; and at this time but two, and these 
are to be taken with him, to assist him in re- 
11^ 



126 

claiming the offender. Jf the second step be 
necessary, the persons chosen should be wise 
and well experienced, and persons also in whom 
the offender has had great confidence. Such 
a choice will give sweetness to the labour ; 
^and in all probability, prove effectual when a 
contrary method would be attended with the 
worst of consequences. These are to be 
plain, yet compassionate and tender. If this 
step is successful, it should rest here, if not, 
tell it to the Church. When the matter has 
such a scriptural introduction into the Church, 
the Church is to inquire into every cir- 
cumstance, and become acquainted with the 
nature of the offence, that their judgment may 
be more perfect. Much wisdom will be ne- 
cessary on such occasions ; hence, prayei^s 
for the guidance of the divine spirit, ought to 
be offered up to God. Every thing that 
wears the appearance of partiality, should be 
avoided, ll] after all, he remains unrecover- 
able, let him be unto thee as a heathen man 
and a publican. That is, have no fellowship 
with him, unless he repents, and brings forth 
fruits meet for repentance. 

The second scripture is, I. Cor. v. 11, " But 
now I have written unto you not to keep com- 
pany, if any man that is called a brother, be a 
fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a 
railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner ; with 
such an one, no not to eat." I shall first, in 
short, define these several crimes ; and then 
point out the method of treating those who 
may be guilty of any or all of them. 



127 

Fornkaiion, — This is a violation of the hiws 
of chastity, 

Coveiousness. — This signifies either an eager 
desire for the getting of unlavful gain ; or, 
contrary to the law of brotherly kindness, to 
withhold from the necessitous what we at pre- 
sent possess. Any person, either male or fe- 
male, who say to the needy, depart in peace, 
be ye warmed and filled, and not give them the 
thmgs they need, is a covetous person. 

IdoLdry — Is the act of worshipping images, 
or of being sunk in the depth of covetousness. 
The apostle saith, that *' covetousness is Idol- 
atry:' 

Railing. — To rail, is to speak indiscreetly oi 
persons or things. Those who put off the spi- 
rit of christian gentleness, and address others 
in a rough, retorting languge. are guilty of the 
sin of railing. Nor can any justify themselves 
hy saying they were provoked to it. 

Drunkenness, — This is to be intoxicated with 
spirituous liquor ; or, to follow drinking to ex- 
cess. 

Extortion. — Extortion is an unjust wresting, 
by fraudulent bargains, law- suits, or, violence 
of hand, what belongs to another. One in- 
stance of extortion is, to take from the poor, 
an extravagant price for the necessaries of life. 
The apostle saith, ** with such an one keep not 
company, no, not to eat ;" (i. e. at the table of 
the Lord,) and when scripturally dealt with, if 
he does not refrain, must be put from among 
us. These cases are evidently different from 
the first. There are no second and third steps 



128 

to be taken. The reason is plain — the crimes 
are known by the church, therefore, a private 
labour, as in the first case, is impossible. 
What is then to be done ? The time of trial 
ought to be fixed, the offender informed of it, 
and without any farther labour, brought before 
the Church. A simple statement of the crime 
ought to be mode by the governour of the 
meeting, that all the members may clearly un- 
derstand it, and the offender know in what 
light the church views his conduct. After 
which, some one who has wisdom in labour of 
this kind, should lay before him the nature *of 
his offence, and the grievous consequences con- 
nected therewith ; and then warn and intreat 
him, with the utmost plainness and affection, to 
turn from his folly. But if he returns not, 
then put him away from among you. *' Or> if 
he repents, forgive him." Notwithstanding 
with such offenders there is no second and third 
step to be taken ; yet, nevertheless, if the 
crimes are known only by a few, it should be 
settled there, if possible, in as small a compass 
as it is known ; for instance, if a brother is 
overtaken in drunkenness, in the presence of 
two or three of the church, and no one else 
knows of it, they should labour with him by 
themselves ; if he removes the stumbling block, 
it should be known no further. Every offence 
should be as publicly confessed, as it is com- 
mitted. Then the gain- say ers cannot say we 
cover up the sins of our brethren. 

The third scripture is, Titus 3, 10, ** A man 
that is an heretick, after the first and second 



129 

admonition, i*eject." By the foregoing verse^ 
an keretick is one who propounds foolish ques- 
tions, and genealogies, and contentions, and 
strivings about the law ; for they are unprofit- 
able and vain. Such an one is to be admon- 
ished, that is, warned of his danger, and re- 
proved for his fault, according to the nature of 
the offence. If he offers his false doctrines in 
presence of the church, he ought, without ce- 
remony, to be reproved by a person who has 
gifts and graces equal to the duty. If such an 
admonition should prove effectual, no other 
step need to be taken ; but if he again offends in 
the same way against God and the brethren, he 
ought to be reproved as before; and also in- 
formed what will be the consequence if he is 
guilty of a third offence. If he still persists in 
such unsci iptural conduct, he must be rejected, 
or cut off from the body, as a dead member, in 
presence of the church. If he privately spreads 
his heresy, he should be reproved by the per- 
sons he endeavours to seduce. If such an one 
returns, great care should be taken to have all 
the stumbling-blocks he has cast in the way, 
removed, by a suitable retra.ction of all his er- 
rours. Nor can any suppose he has genuine 
repentance, until he is willing thus to do. 

Fourth scripture is^ 2 Thessalonians, 3, 6 — - 
*^' Now we command you, brethren, in the 
name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye with- 
draw yourselves from every brother that walk- 
eth disorderly, and not after the tradifion which 
he received from us." 



130 

This differs from all the preceding cases — 
they were to withdraw themselves from him, 
instead of expelling him, as in the above direc- 
tions. *' Yet, count him not as an enemy, but 
admonish him as a brother." Tell him lov- 
ingly why you shun him. The sin here speci- 
fied, was a neglect of their own temporal busi- 
ness, and the meddling unlawfully with the 
business of others. For we hear, said he, there 
are some which walk among you disorderly, 
working not at all, but are busy bodies : verse 
11, with such we are not to keep company, 
that they may be ashamed. Verse 14, Or 
withdraw ourselves, verse 6, that is, we are to 
teach them by precept and example, that they 
are in the wrong ; and ought to work with 
their own hands, and quietly eat their own 
bread ; verse 12. But not to keep company 
\vith him must imply, that we do not commune 
with him in the ordinances of the house of God. 
Therefore, he is partially expelled, or, for the 
present, suspended from the privileges of church 
communion ; yet, kept under the admonition 
of the church to which he belongs. This bears 
but little resemblance to either of the preceding 
directions ; for, in one of them, the person was 
to be rejected, and in another, to be accounted 
•as a heathen man and a publican. Such a man- 
ner of treating them, appears to be very differ- 
ent from admonishing as a brother. But 
that such a separation may take place, accord- 
ing to the order of gospel discipline, some rul- 
ing member of the church, must tell him plain- 
ly, and with the utmost affection, that his man- 



131 

ner of living is iinscriptural. They must also 
lay before him the necessity of diligence and 
frugality. Should he receive and practice the 
exhortation, according to its design, he must 
be admitted to fellowship again. But if other- 
wise, then suspend him, according to the above 
statement. If, after a suitable time is given 
him for a sight and sense of his fault, he does 
not reform, he must then be cut off as a trans- 
gressor of the law of God. The church of 
God has suffered, for the want of proper atten- 
tion to this rule ; some under pretence of hav- 
ing none to maintain but themselves, have idled 
away a great part of their time God has giv- 
en us no strength to idle away ; therefore, if 
we do not need all the fruit of our labour, yet 
we are to labour, working with our hands, that 
we may have to givt to him that needeth ; 
Ephesians 4. 28. Idleness is such a plain trans- 
gression of the commandments of God, that 
those who indulge themselves therein, cannot 
be in favour with God See 1 Thessalonians, 
4, 11, and 2 Thessalonians, 3, 10. 

Fifth scripture is. Gallatians 6, " Brethren, if 
a man be overtaken in a f lult, ye which are 
spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of 
meekness ; considering thyself, lest thou also 
be tempted " To be overtaken in a fault, dif- 
fers from all the above stated cases, and conse- 
quently requires a different mode of treatment. 
That sins may differ in their magnitude, is evi- 
dent from this consideration, that there is one 
sin unpardonable. Beiisg overtaken in a fault, 
implies, that amaa is suddenly tempted, and sud- 



1S2 

denly overcome. A man may be easily inflamed 
ivith anger; he has suddenly and unexpectedly an 
uncommontemptationtoit,andheiscaughtinthe 
snare ; but as soon as the first emotions of the 
mind is over, he feels his wrong, and sorrow 
sinks deep into his soul. The same may be 
said of all sudden temptations to besetting sins 
of all kinds. The sudden ternptation that a 
man may have, is no argument that it is not of- 
fensive in the sight of God ; but what I argue 
is, that they are not as sinful in their nature as 
premeditated crimes. Nt ither would I intir 
mate that they are unavoidable, but rather ex- 
hort all christians, to watch against such stid- 
den and powerful temptations. Four things 
are worthy of observation in the apostles direc- 
tion. 1st. The persons who are to restore the 
offender to fellowship again ; they *' which are 
spiritual ;" that is, they who have the spirit of 
Christ. For none others are c.jpuble of judg- 
ing as they ought, on this or any other case that 
comes under the inspection of the church. 
2d. These are to restore him ; to perform all 
necessary labour with him ; and if it has its 
desired effect, grant him their fellowship and 
favour. 3d. The manner in which this is to be 
done, is, *' in the spirit of meekness." All 
roughness and threatening is to be carefully 
avoided, and the spirit of humility and tender- 
ness exercised towards him. 4th. Considering 
thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Consider 
thyself exposed to the same snare, or one 
equally dangerous. Remember, although he 
has fallen, thou art not beyond the .reach of 



133 

temptation ; therefore boast not, but be hum- 
ble. But, although he is to be restored in 
the manner just described, yet if he takes no 
care to watch against such faults, but falls 
into them again and again, there can be no 
doubt but such an one ought to be rejected. 
If we were to allow persons to stay among 
us, who from time to time fall into their for- 
mer besetting sins, when there was little or 
no probability of their doing better, we should 
give the enemy occasion to blaspheme. 

There may be a few scriptures more that 
might be profitable ; but the few that have 
been brought, are the principal passages that 
lay on my mind. 

I conclude, by expressing my desire for the 
accomplishment of these things. May we, 
who are considered ministers of the word, be 
careful how we build churches, searching 
with great care for soundness of heart, in 
those who wish to put themselves under our 
watch and care. IVIay we strive more for ho- 
liness of heart, and soundness of doctrine, 
than for superiority and greatness. All the 
preaching that is not calculated to win souls 
to Christ, or comfort the brethren, is of but 
little use. It is to be feared that much of our 
tune has already gone to waste in preaching 
and contending for that which profiteth not. 
My heart's desire is, that our words and ac- 
tions may be pure, and that the churches un- 
der our care, may be kept so also. O ! y^ 
young preachers! watch your hands, {pet^ 
eyes^ ears, mouth and tongue ; and ^* keep 
12 



134 

yourselves pure," keep the true spirit in all 
things. May our dear brethren, all see eye 
to eye, with the preachers, for we can do but 
little without them. 

" Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are 
true, whatsoever things are honest, whatso- 
ever things are just, whatsoever things are 
pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatso- 
ever things are of good report ; if there be 
any virtue, and if there be any praise, think 
on these things, which ye have both learned, 
and received, and heard, and seen, DO ; and 
the God of peace shall be with you." Amen 

Cheney. 



THE EXILE, 

OR 

TRAVELLING PREACHER'S REFLECTIONS. 



I. 

As pensive I ranged, my soul in devotion, 
Withdrew from confusion, to gloomy retreat ; 
Where silence was reigning, and nature reposing 
In deep solitude, slowly wandering my feet : 
The Sun had retir'd, and darkness prevailing, 
The half waning moonlight, the bowers regaling, 
Unfolded emotions of youth bewailing, 
And charra'd to the weeping, the trees of the wood. 

II. 

Oh ! hard is my fate, cry'd his soul in deep anguish ! 
The drops of the evening lay chillM on his brow ; 
To heaven he lifted his eyes prone to languish. 
And glow'd in rejecting the pleasures below : 
Behold I retire from my native employment, 
"A.nd bid final farewell to earthly enjoyment ; 
O Jesus protect and prevent sad allotment ; 
In thee, and thee only, I seek fm repose. 

in. 

Farewell, O my parents, the joy of nr.y childhood. 

My brethren, and sisters, I bid you adieu : 

To wander creation, the fields and the wild woods, 

And call upon mortals, their God to pursue ; 

When driven by rain-drops, and night shades prevailing; 

The keen piercing north winds, my thin robes assailing, 

And Stars of the twilight, in lustre regaling ; 

j'll seek some repose in a cottage uRkuown. 



136 

IV. 

Ye sons of the morning, with eyes full of pity, 
Behold me traversing, a far foreign land ; 
No trace that I e'er could behold to delight me, 
But mournful 1 sigh for the once friendly strand : 
The beams of the morning, and daylight arising, 
Or Flora's gay beauty, with chariiis so surprising ! 
To my gloomy soul, can afford no rejoicing, 
For strange is the place, and the region unknown. 

V. 

The wild beasts and ravens, their shelter discover, 
The owls of the desert, to covert away ; 
And in their strange echo, and midnight resounding, 
They seem to upbraid me, more wretched than they : 
The dove of its mate, when bereaved and mourning, 
Unites with my sighings, lamenting and wandering, 
And hearts like the steel-dart, engage in their slandering, 
And scoffing rejoice at the fate of my woe. 

VI. 

But think not I'm lost, O ye sons of destruction, 
Nor tread on a worm, that is slain at your feet ; 
This spark, all immortal, that glows in my bosom, 
Will outshine the sun in its splendour complete : 
The day of bright glory, is fast onward fleeting, 
O haste the bless'd morning, that last glorious meeting j 
My soul in new transports, exults in repeating. 
We'll meet ne'er to part, when old time is no more. 



THE CHRISTIAN'S TRAVEL. 



1 Mixture of joy and trouble 
I daily do pass through, 
Sometimes I'm in the valley 
And sinking down with woe 5 
Sometimes I am exalted 

On eagles' wings I fly, 
I rise above old Pisgah, 
And almost reach the sky, 

2 Sometimes I am a doubting, 
And think I have no grace ; 
Sometimes I am a shouting, 
And Bethel is the place 5 
Sometimes my hope's so little, 
I think I'll throw it by ; 
Sometimes it is sufficient. 

If 1 were call'd to die. 

3 Sometimes 1 shun the Christian. 
For fear he'll talk to me ; 
Sometimes he is the neighbour 

I want the most to see ; 
Sometimes we meet together. 
The season's dry and dull ; 
Sometimes I find a blessing, 
With joy it fills my soul. 

4 Sometimes I am oppressed 
By Fhaiffeih's cruel hand ; 
Sometimes I look o'er Jordan, 
And view the promis'd land ; 



138 

Sometimes I am in darkness, 
And sometimes in the light ; 
Sometimes my soul takes wings of faith 
And then I speed my flight. 

Sometimes I go a mourning, 
Down Babylon's cold stream ; 
Sometimes my Lord's religion 
Appears to be my theme ; 
Sometimes when I am praying, 
It seems almost a task ; 
Sometimes I find a blessing, 
The greatest 1 could ask. 

Sometimes I read my Bible. 
And 'tis a sealed book ; 
Sometimes I find a blessing 
Wherever I do look ; 
Sometimes I go to meeting, 
And wish myself at home ; 
Sometimes I meet my Saviour. 
And then I'm glad I come. 

Lord why am I thus tossed, 

Why tossed to and fro •, 

Why are my hopes thus crossed. 

Wherever 1 do go ; 

Lord thou never changest, 

It is because 1 stray : 

Lord grant me thine assistance. 

And keep me in the way. 



THE CHURCH IN HER PURITY 



I. 

The time soon is coming by the Piiophets foretold. 
When Zion in purity the world will behold, 
For Jesus' pure testimony will gain the day, 
Denomination selfishness will vanish away. 

II. 

'Twill then be discovei'd who for Jesus will be, 
And who are in Babylon the saints then will see ; 
The Ime of division then will fully be known, 
Between the pure kingdom and defil'd Babylon. 

III. 

What beauty the Church will then put on in the light, 
All govern'd by Jesus Christ who always leads right, 
>io spot on her countenance in that glorious day, 
Unnecessary ceremonies vanish away. 

IV. 

Lead on by the Comforter what sweet will be found. 
What peace and what harmony and love will abound ; 
Losing time-things for Jesus will be counted all joy, 
And helping each other a delightsome employ. 

V. 

The watchmen lift up their voices then all as one, 
East, west, north and southward to and fro they will luc. 
In the spirit's pure testimony preach up the cross, 
And mystery Babylon must suffer the loss, 

VI. 

But O what a storm of persecution will rage, 
In the cause of old Babylon too many engage , 



140 

Bpholding their loss and thus beginning to sink, 
They'll hope to obstruct the light from spreading I think. 

VII. 

But truth cuts its way and love will melt down its foes, 
The pure word of God will conqupr all who oppose ; 
The Church stand in purity, in peace and in love, 
In sight of her enemies she rises above. 

VIII. 

Now let all who wiyh to see millennium begin, 
Come out and be separate from sinners and sin, 
As soon as the churches are redeem'd from all sin, 
The time call'd millennium will surely begin. 






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